This past weekend I attended a special meeting with Leadership Network which serves churches throughout the United States and world. Through every message, especially one taught by Larry Osbourne, a theme emerged.
This one word is potent. It shapes our attitudes, our actions, our responses.
This one word is easy to forget, to overlook, to push to the attic of our hearts.
Yet this one word changes everything.
The word is hope.
Four letters. A single syllable. Yet this word will define your present and set you on your future course.
This is what you need when….
Life doesn’t turn out like you expect.
When the doctor speaks an unpronounceable diagnosis over you.
When your prodigal kids and grandkids refuse to come home.
When your employer announces yet another round of layoffs.
When you’re sandwiched between aging parents and caring for your children.
When your snappy answers don’t work anymore.
When you find yourself waffling between decisions.
If you think you’re alone in losing hope, take heart.
Jesus’ friends lost hope when they needed it most.
The disciples lost hope when they saw Jesus’ body turned to a pulp.
Mary lost hope when preparing the body.
Yet hope clings to a happy optimism in God.
No matter what the test results. No matter what the news headlines. No matter what may come later today or even tomorrow.
Hope asks you hold on no matter what knowing God is at the other end of the rope.
So my prayer for you today is Big Hope.
As my friend, Larry Osbourne, says, Hope doesn’t mean we like everything, it means we know who is in control and how it ends.
Spoiler alert: We win.
Send a card to someone facing a difficult circumstance and let them know they are loved:
Hope the seed of faith …
A needed word for me today Margaret. Thank you.
Thank you so much Margaret for this wonderful reminder. I needed to hear this today as I am facing surgery this afternoon. Blessings, Karen
Thank you for this. I find myself waffling between decisions and clinging to hope with the “happy optimism” which comes from trusting that He who is IN me is big and small at the same time, and He will be sufficient in me.
Hi Margaret, I recently lost sight of Gods hope. You helped me remember in light of my health issues which have been very taxing lately. Chemo, montizumas revenge, dehydration etc. Just plain sick. Thank you for reminding me that God is my focus not my illness.
Thanks I needed this today.
So true! Hugs!
May you find hope today! Hugs!
Prayers that your surgery went as planned and your recovery is quick! Huge hug!
Prayers over you, sweet Janette! Hugs!
It can be so hard to cling to hope when in the middle of so much sickness. Praying He meets you and your hope increases! Huge hug!
Huge hug, Demetra!
Thank you , Margaret I am just reading this as I weed out my emails that I have not gotten to.
I so need to keep this as my focal point. As a mom I would do anything for my children. I have been on this journey for 3 plus years with my youngest son. Who is in prison. He has 3 more years I speak with him 2 to 4 times a week and go visit him every other weekend. Much to my sad-in heart his 2 siblings do not write and have been to see him one time along with his father who has been twice also. I feel I need to keep instilling Hope, Truth and motivating him on this journey. Yes I hurt and cry out to God the hold us in his hands and see us through.
Keep him {Christopher} in your prayers please.