Hope

     The rainbow after the storm. When food tastes good again after chemo. First steps after a major stroke. The first breath of fresh air after an asthma attack. The call that a loved one is safe. We should bottle these moments in our life. Why does it take suffering to recognize all we take for granted? The ordinary blessings of an ordinary day should be treasured. Somehow, it takes disaster and grief to appreciate the daily gifts of God.

     And, yet, we blame Him when things go wrong, when the diagnosis is not what we expected, when a loved one dies. The world fell thousands of years ago when man turned away from God. Natural consequences and a fallen world lead to the hardships of life. But God works in them and through them. He redeems and rescues. And He resurrects.

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not pur us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts, through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5

     Christ suffered for the beauty that awaited Him. He suffered for you and for me. When we have Christ, we have a new beginning waiting beyond every end. We have hope and it will never fade away. He is always there at the end of every story, even on to our eternal home of blessing.

Jesus,

Glorying in our suffering sounds impossible. With You, all things are possible. We thank You for every good and perfect gift we take for granted. Help us to look around today and appreciate You and all we have.

Amen

Back on Wednesday. Off for some girlfriend time!