Peservering Hope

     The waiting and the watching are endless. We try to be patient and persistent in our prayers. But where is God? Has He heard us? When will an answer come? And will it be the answer we believe is the right one? Is there healing? Will she come home? Is he safe? Will they turn their lives around? Will I find a job? Is divorce the answer? How will I go on without him or her? Can we keep hope alive?

Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint.  Isaiah 40:30-31

     Hope when we are weary. Strength when we stumble. The Bible even goes so far as to count our trials as pure joy. According to Scripture here is the progression of our faith during a trial.  (Wish it always worked this way)

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.   James 1:2-4

     The Scriptures today give me hope. All of us stumble and grow weary. Putting our faith in our Lord brings strength until we can walk and even run again. Test your faith. Is it in the power of Jesus? He has more than enough to spare and the Holy Spirit can fill you with peace and joy and hope in the very middle of the trial you are facing. Trust His goodness. The maturing of our faith takes time. When the persevering is done we will be complete, not lacking anything. I want that. How about you?

Dear Jesus,

Give us glimpses of hope today as we persevere through our trials. Give us patience and the peace that passes understanding. We put our trust in You, the author and finisher of our faith.

Amen