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Earlier this morning I received devastating news. The type of news you can never prepare for, even when you have known well in advance that it is coming. Experiencing grief, loss, suffering, despair, or discouragement of any kind can leave many feeling weak and vulnerable. Even those that have walked in faith for many years still struggle with this time and again, however, that's not the end. Times of great despair are times when you need to hold tighter to your loving, Heavenly Father. This morning, for my time with God, I found peace in reading a piece called "A Living Hope" that I would like to share with you now. I know that it has helped me to look past my own grief and my hopes are that it helps you as well. In this devotional, it shared of a woman who was facing cancer and every treatment option had been exhausted. It had come to the point in her journey where she gave up hope to get better, however, found a new hope in that the Lord will never die. Although she lost all hope in a cure for the here and now, she could have peace knowing that her hope in the Lord was a firm conviction. [Women of Faith Study Bible - week 50 pg 2024] The part I loved most about this devotion is that it spoke of how God is "not in the business of merely fulfilling wishes; he is in the business of giving 'a living hope'. Even facing death, Christians, though at times discouraged, have a living, eternal hope." [Women of Faith Study Bible - week 50 pg 2024] So, all morning I have been thinking heavily on this and how wonderful it is to have that deep of a hope. Although I have cried my share of tears and felt completely burdened with my own loss, I have found a way to get 'real and personal' with my Father and simply lay it at His feet. Though it hurt tremendously (and God has never said we will never feel sorrow - Job is a perfect example of that) I sat in my living room floor listening to "At The Foot of The Cross" by Kathryn Scott and just let God work on me. I cried and cried and prayed and cried even more, but the most important thing was that I came to a place where I could surrender it completely to Him and seek His guidance, comfort, and strength through a very difficult time in my life. And that's what He wants us to do. Above everything else - just simply trust that He alone can bring the comfort that we all need. I hope by sharing this with you - that you too, can search your own heart and see if you have completely given Him total control of your life. Sometimes it is very hard to do, I know, I too, have struggled but now know that My God and yours can and will never forsake us. He loves us and gave His one and only Son for us that we can live free from our sin and be made new through Christ. Wow! What a feeling to feel free and New! There is a God who loves all of us, and yes, even those that feel unworthy of such a love. He came for all sinners and all have fallen short - but that too was not the end. Through Christ, we live and are given eternal life in Heaven. That is where my aunt is today and I can't wait until the day I can join her at His glorious table. Do you believe there is hope? Do you want to know that hope? And if you do know that hope - are you willing to surrender all of yourself to Him? What about your family and friends? Do they know what God has done in you - are you living as though "your hope in Christ is your 'anchor'"? Below I am going to share my devotion with you further. I hope that you will find peace today in your life and if you have not asked Christ into your life, I want to encourage you to take that first step. If you feel alone or afraid of what to say or just not sure what to do - please let us help you through whatever is keeping you from the joy God wants for your life. We will pray for you and with you, I will pray for you and with you... you can contact us through this web site or you can even call my number at 910-599-0702 He has a purpose for you and loves you unconditionally. If you haven't and can get a bible - I want to encourage you to read John 3:16. May you find comfort in Christ Jesus. God Bless! Sited from [Women of Faith Study Bible - week 50 pg 2024] "Where does this hope come from (Ps 62:5)? Juat as faith is a gift of God, hope is as well, It is God's sweet kiss of mercy when you are born into his family (1Peter 1:3-4)." "What is thtis hope based on (Psalms 130:7)? God's unfailing love annd your full redemption are a sure thing. God himself guards his gift for you in heaven (1Peter 1:4)." "When trials come and doubts sweep over you, on what does your faith rest (Titus 1:2)? Your hope is based on God's faithfulnness, not on your own ability to stand." "When you need something tangible, where can you turn (1Romans 15:4)? The Bible is God's book of promises to you, promises that are all met in Jesus (2Corinthians 1:20)." "What are the benefits of this 'living hope' (Psalms 25:3; 33:18)? What does hope produce (Colossians 1:5)?" "If you are experiencing a lack of hope, believe that God 'will make the Valley of Achor [Trouble] a door of hope" (Hosia 2:!5). God will take your trouble and turn it into an entry for hope and a doorway to him. In a time of prayer, picture yourself handing your worries ad despair to Jesus. See yourself walking through a doorway toward Jesus. Allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with a 'living hope.' Take refuge in Jesus, your guide into the safe harbor of God's arms. His lvoe andn faithfulness will never fail. 'Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him" (La 3:22-23, 25)." [Women of Faith Study Bible - week 50 pg 2024] [Source: Women of Faith Study Bible] Written by: Melissa Schenk
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