A God of hope! This is a God who goes before us into the future and stands with us in the present even in the darkest of circumstances. As we journey to the cross together during Lent we are reminded that our hope for the future is based on what God has done through the sacrifice of His Son. The power to hope comes through the gift of the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead. If God brought Jesus back from the dead by the same Holy Spirit that fills you then you have good grounds to hope in God. If even death is no obstacle for God's Spirit to overcome then how about what you are facing today? Have you ever reflected on the resurrection of Jesus and how it applies to the everyday problems that you face? For certain there are real trials and obstacles to pass though in life, but God is a God of hope for the future. He can and will bring hope to the most painful and desperate of all human situations, including the bloody death of His only Son. Although His death appeared to be hopeless and worthless, it is the source of hope and and life for many. Take your pains, your hurts, your most difficult struggles with faith and with God and place them in the hands of the God of hope. Ask Him to take your emptiness and fill you with the Holy Spirit so that you overflow into the streets. Life will be difficult and hardships will threaten to shake our foundations. We must be filled and guided by the God who goes before us and promises us renewed life, joy and peace. A God of hope!
DAY 19
"Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." Romans 4:20-21
Think about politicians and their politics. Think about gas stations and their prices. Think about clothes and fashion. There are a lot of things in our world that waver. Faith does not waver but is fully persuaded that God has the power. Abraham was totally sold out to God and believed what He said. In the language of poker, he was "all in." Abraham bet the bank on God to deliver on His promises. In a culture that wavers and goes with what works, it is very difficult to live for God and to have a strong faith. God has the power to see us through trials and tests and to strengthen our faith in the process. As we turn to God in faith, He will strengthen us. We face an unsure economy and job market yet we must believe that God will provide for us. We face kids who are rebellious yet we must believe that God will complete the good work he has begun. We know many who do not belong to Christ and yet we believe God to seek and save the lost. We too should follow Abraham's lead and push all of our chips to the middle of the table and bet on God to do what He has promised.
Let us also remember that we are all in the same condition as Abraham. Our circumstances are all in opposition to the promises of God. He promises us immortality; yet we are surrounded by mortality and corruption. He declares that He accounts us just; yet we are covered with sins. He testifies that He is propitious and benevolent toward us; yet outward signs threaten His wrath. What then are we to do? We must close our eyes, disregard ourselves and all things connected with us, so that nothing may hinder or prevent us from believing that God is true. -John Calvin
*From WNY Pray
1 comment:
Hi Jaime! This is Kara. I just read your comment on my blog and was touched by your words of encouragement and kindness. I'm glad you are enjoying my blog, and thankyou for praying for us. I believe, we actually did meet at Sandra's wedding. Amber talks fondly of you. Take care, Kara ~
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