Our hope is
built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. Without hope in
Christ—we are hopeless. A pastor said the following at a recent prayer service,
remembering a fallen soldier who was killed in Afghanistan a couple of days ago:
“Life with Christ is endless hope. Life without Christ is a hopeless end.” The
family has Jesus in their lives and in their hearts…they are blessed with hope,
strength and love—everlasting love—and a church family that lifts them up in
prayer. Their hope is built on vertical relationship with God the Father—supported
by a horizontal hope fueled by heartfelt prayers of their friends and pastor. This
hope they share is based on a plan that God had before the world was created—and
He cannot lie as it says in Titus 1:1-3. This hope includes the forgiveness of
sin and brings eternal life—here and in Heaven. Do you have that hope?
Persevere and ask God for forgiveness of your sins—seek God with all your heart—and
you will find Him. Wait upon Him for the hope—He will give it to you. Pressed
down and overflowing. As it says in Psalm 23—my cup runs over. Surely goodness
and mercy will follow me all the days of my life…and I will dwell in the House
of the Lord—forever.
Training Tip – Give your children a mirror. As them if they see
hope in that mirror. What does hope look like? What is hope to them? Read the
verse in Romans 8:25 to them and talk about perseverance. That is to keep on
doing something until you want to give up…and then not giving up, but keep on
going. Have them look in the mirror again and have them smile—get your face in
the mirror too—so you are smiling together. Hope gives us a smile—even in times
of loss and sorrow. Hope. Hope for a better tomorrow. Remember that God loves
you—and gives you hope—optimistically.
Lord God, You are a God of Mercy and Love. Fill my
friend Ellen, her daughter Joelle, and grandson, Jimmy, and other family
members with Your love, peace, strength and an abiding sense of Your presence
as they face the loss of Robbie. May You be given the glory, honor and praise
as Robbie is remembered by a large group of family and friends here—and by a
host of angels there in Heaven with You.
All
scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise
noted.
© 2013 by Mickey M.
Hunacek. All rights reserved
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