Hebrews 10:23, "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." NIV
I'm a pretty steady person. Overall, I don't get too riled; I don't have a lot of emotional upsets. Yet sometimes, I stand amazed at my emotions.
How can I feel on the top of the world in one minute, feeling as if nothing can touch me...and then the next...when the battle gets especially "real"...feel so overwhelmed by life's circumstances...worried about the future...and second guess my call?
Truly, if it were not for the grace of God...what a miserable wretch I would be.
I find it a constant task to tame my mind...to take every thought captive to the cross...to not put my hope and security in what I possess...but in the One through Whom all things are possible.
EVER FEEL THIS WAY???
I have to remind myself that with Christ we can hope...even against all hope...because He is faithful! And, all things are possible with Him!
I love the story of the man who obtained a reprieve from his sentence to death; he did so "by assuring the king he would teach his majesty's horse to fly within the year--on the condition that if he didn't succeed, he would be put to death at the end of the year. "Within a year," the man explained later, "the king may die, or I may die, or the horse may die. Furthermore, in a year, who knows? Maybe the horse will learn to fly."--Bernard M. Baruch
Though this story is a light-hearted look at hope...the truth is "There are no hopeless situations; there are only people who have grown hopeless about them."--Clare Boothe Luce.
As Christians, our hope is not in the temporal...but the eternal. Regardless of our circumstances, our battles, or our fears...we can have the confidence to know that we will triumph.
So take a moment; let your mind be renewed; let your heart be encouraged by remembering 1 Peter 1:3-9 which says, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade — kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." NIV
Prayer: Father, fill us with the joy of our salvation. Fill us with peace, knowing that no one can ever separate us from Your love. Move on our behalf. Grant us Your favor. Encourage our hearts with Your Presence. Draw near to us and fill us with HOPE! Thank You for Your love and mercy. In Jesus Name, amen.
Wow! I needed that! Just exactly what I needed to hear this morning. I've been going through a personal issue and was getting depressed just wondering am I going to stay this way?? Having a "pity party" I think LOL But your words gave me just the encouragement to push on through. Thank you soo much you bless so many of us with your blog! You are appreciated! May supernatural blessings come to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteJulie, I loved the story of the man who persuaded the king not to kill him. It reminds me of Romans 8:28 - for all things work together - one way or another.
ReplyDeleteThank you for another encouraging word.
You're in my prayers,
So good Julie. So real. I want to encourage you further though. Your life, not just what you "do", but your life, is such a ministry. You walk the walk. You are a blessing to everyone who knows you. You are making an impact on so many lives. Not much glory in it sometimes, I know. But don't stop. Those of us who need your encouragement and expample are standing with you, especially durring the tough times. You are loved by many. Thank you for what you do. It does make a difference.
ReplyDeleteAgain, He speaks to me. Thanks Julie for being so faithful and so open to hearing Him.
ReplyDeleteI like to think of hope as the settled confidence that the future is ultimately in God's hands. Good post.
ReplyDeleteI'm sending you a preview of the review of your book for my blog.
I am so excited to have found your blog! I just love the verse you posted, how so very powerful. I have since discovered the voice of God for a calling on my life. I, like many others thought what could "I" possibly do. Take the "I" out and you have what can God do through me? I am so excited, and am trying to be patient in the direction God is calling me in. I so want for him to "train" me for his mission and to see what your blog is all about is just making me giddy! I know God's hand is in everything I do, including where I point the mouse. Thank you for your blog and I look forward to the daily journey you will bring us!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to your life and message.
Angie
Angie...I sent you a private message through email. :)
ReplyDeleteWarren...thank you for all that you do. I will get to the book review questions today! Thank you for doing that...you're awesome!
Shawn...can't wait to do a broadcast with you...remember to send me the names so we can put it together.
Delia...you amaze me. Thank you for serving God and loving Him so genuinely. Your friendship means a lot to me.
Dear anonymous...I would love to give you a big hug around the neck...thanks for your words of encouragement!
And, Greg...I truly don't know what I would do without you. You sacrifice so much, so that I can pursue and serve God. I love you.