Saturday, January 30, 2010

Now is the time.... To Hold on to Hope


But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. Jeremiah 17:7

The terrible reports of the recent Haitian earthquake have shocked us all. At the time of writing 110,000 people were reported dead, and of course, many more are injured or unaccounted for. As aid begins to reach many people, doctors and helpers work around the clock to relieve the suffering as best than can in makeshift hospitals. Rescue workers from all over the world search for survivors in the debris and others work together to distribute much needed supplies to survivors.

It has been quite amazing that people have been pulled alive from the rubble, some of them after a considerable number of days. One man, when rescued, was asked how he managed to survive. He said, “I never gave up hope. I believed that I would be rescued.” Such is the power of hope. It is a powerful force of life even if hope is put in people, but when hope is placed in the Lord who has power to change any and every situation, then it brings an extra blessing.

Abraham is one of our greatest examples of one who had hope. Romans 4:18 says this: “Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Hope is very much aligned with faith. God had given Abraham a promise of a son, but he was very old and his wife was past child-bearing age. Abraham held onto the hope of a son and heir for 25 years before his son, Isaac was born according to God’s promise. His hope, (and faith) were rewarded.

What is it that you are hoping for today? Is it the fulfillment of a promise that God has given you many years ago? Perhaps it is that a loved one will be healed or receive salvation. Perhaps it is the hope of better days ahead, a new job, a change of home, or a much needed change in your circumstances.

God is a good and faithful God who wants the best for his children and is able to bring good to them as they hope in him and his love for them. Hold on to you hope and believe that you will see God’s goodness come to you. Remember David’s encouragement to himself when things looked less than good…… Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again-- my Savior and my God! (Psalm 42:5).

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the many promises you have given to me in your word. Help me to put my hope in them, knowing that you are faithful and true. Amen

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