Hope

Our present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely 

determine where you start” (Nido Qubein)

It has taken me a while to write this post.  

I think I understand why now. 

Recently I had the privilege of sitting in on a narcotics anonymous meeting. I have to admit, at first, it was very intimidating.  I felt very uncomfortable every time someone would share.  They would say, “Hi, I am (insert name) and I am an addict.”  However, as I would scope the room, those sharing did not see uncomfortable about this introduction. 

As I typically do when in a room of adults, I became a sponge and took on the role of absorbing information and my surroundings.  

The 6th step to recovery is to be ready to allow God to remove the defects of character.  To be humble and allow God to begin the work of removing the defects of character.  

So how does all of this relate to Hope?

One of the first verses of scripture that comes to mind when I think of hope is Jeremiah 29:11.

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 (NIV)

I am sure I am not the only one who has at one point asked, 

If he knew the plan and it wasn’t for me to be harmed, then why the world am I hurting… going through…… or (you can fill in the blank with your own question).

And maybe you are like me, but in those times you turn to scripture to find the answer.  Often, my search will take me to Romans 3-5.  

Not only so, but also glory in our sufferings, 

because we know that suffering produces perseverance;

 perseverance, character; and character, hope.  

And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. 

Romana 5: 3-5 (NIV)

I really like the way The Message translates this scripture. 

There’s more to come… Well, let’s stop right there.  That is good to know.

We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steep of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next.  I have to pause here for a minute.  I have found that in times of (uncertainty, hurting, the struggle, you fill in the blank) if I can turn on my praise music a couple of things happen

1. My focus is redirected from my problems to the problem-solverAND

2. Either the right song just happens to play OR, my mind and heart are open to the voice of the Holy Spirit.. I am leaning toward the latter. 

In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left shortchanged.  Expectancy is the state of hoping that something will happen or change, because we know he has never left us cheated or short of exactly what we need.

Quite the contrary- we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!  

Whether it is after the storm or just in a time of reflection, if you seek to see the hand of God… you will see his works. 

So where does this leave us?

Hope is an action word.  

Yesterday, I witnessed how when people have the courage to be humble and acknowledge present circumstances, they can also acknowledge that they do not have to remain as they are.  

These individuals met in a room and were humble.  They acknowledged that they are addicts and are ready for God to identify and begin his work in them. 

I have a lot to learn from their example

The people of the church certainly could learn a lesson or two from attending one of these meetings. 

Just saying

Moving on…..

God was the center of the this step 

I believe God is also the foundation for Hope.  For without God… what could this world possibly provide us?

And ….

What seemed awkward, needs to become natural as I humble myself before my Father. 

Hi, my name is  Kerri and I am a sinner.  I have hope that the best is yet to come because of what God has and continues to do through his unconditional love, mercy, and grace.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing (through the experience of your faith) that by his power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in his promises. 

Romans 15:13 (The Amplified Bible)

Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God.  Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer.  I find myself praying for you with a glad heart.  I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God’s Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present.  There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day that Christ Jesus appears. 

Philippians 1:6 (The Message)

Dedicated to Hope