Hope Is Not A Strategy

I recently had someone say "Hope Is Not A Strategy". This is actually the title to a book I plan to read but think about this statement. Hope is NOT a strategy.  So many times in good and bad situations we  say "I sure HOPE that doesn't happen". Is there anything you can do to make sure what you are referring to doesnt happen?  If the answer is yes, then do it. "I sure hope we make it on time". Ok, then leave early, plan ahead. "I sure hope I pass this test". Ok, then study. In my work place I can not sit back and hope my sells improve. I have to work. I am my own PR person for myself and my products. I must take action. When you are dating someone you don't just hope it will go good, that they will like you, that they will enjoy being around you. You must back that hope up with actions. You don't really think you just hope to keep your job if you are NOT  DOING your job? You don't really think you can just hope to keep your friends if you are not BEING a friend? If you were the boss would you keep that employee on board if they always said "I sure hope we get that contract"  and they never made any effort to close the deal? No, because their actions must back up their hope.

Do not get me wrong, hope is a wonderful thing. There have been times hope is all I felt I had. All I am saying is do not JUST hope for something. Do not JUST hope for a change.  Do not JUST hope to be happy. Do not JUST hope to be better at something. Do not JUST hope, hope is NOT a strategy. You must back your hope up with actions.

Oh and think about this. We all hear  " it is what it is". Now I say, " it is what it is UNTIL you do something about it." Again...actions.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.