When I first thought about this word in relation to my Mom, I thought, "well, she sure hasn't lived like she has had a lot of hope, she really hasn't lived up to her name." But then I thought about her life. She faced incredible odds as a child, and ended up seeking a better life, a life in Christ..she really did have hope...Did the hope wane as the circumstances of life took their toll on her? You bet it did......Was "Hope" more than a part of her name? At one time I would have said "no", but now, as I have gotten older, I say, "yes"...her Hope remained, buried for a while, but it is there now... I see it again, in a glance when no one is looking, or a timid smile, or her childlike anticipation..there's hope...and a future. Maybe one I can't see, but she can!
Have I always lived like I have had hope? Not always.... Have I exhibited the" hope that lives within me" to my family and friends? Not always. I don't have "Hope" as my middle name, but I have something else, the hope of a risen Savior living inside me. It may not always be at the surface. Other things, circumstances, life, my own sinfulness, selfishness, and self-defeating tendencies try to block that hope. But today, I was reminded of this precious gift we have:
"Let us hold tightly without wavering to the HOPE we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise!"
Hebrews 10:23
and :
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
Why, oh why would I ever want to live as though there is no hope?
Have a "hope-filled " day in Jesus!
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