“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” - Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)
A great polish writer, Joseph Conrad, once wrote, “Without hope mankind would long be dead!” This truth was later confirmed by the Holocaust survivor, Victor Frankl, who lost his entire family during World War 11, mostly in concentration camps where he too was a prisoner. Through his experiences Frankl found that it was those prisoners who held on to hope of survival who generally came out alive. But once one gave up on hope, the end was not so long.
One of those most unfortunate things in life is people who go through life and all its trials without hope. When people who lack faith lose a loved one it is the end. Little wonder that many cling on to their objects of possession because that is all the hope they have. This contrasts with us Christians because we have one of the most powerful weapon there is in life. Hope.
Christians know before we came to be our lives were marked out already for something greater and higher as revealed by the prophet Jeremiah, “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). Nothing happens in the life of a Christian by chance because there is a God at work.
Through his trials, King David prayed in Psalm 18:1: “I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” When believers are going through storms they theirs is the song: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas…” (Psalm 46:1-2).
It is because of this hope that Christians can endure any situation while full of joy. Pressed against whatever force, Christians have undying faith, “for we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Today, therefore, whatever you may be going through be sure you live not as those without hope! Let that hope in Jesus radiate through your life and touch all those around you.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray that I live joyfully because of the hope I have through faith in your son, Jesus Christ!
Related upcoming events
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29/04/2024 - 30/04/2024 All day“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27)
One of the most moving Christian song ever written is, “Its well with my soul!” To hear it sung in cathedrals, concerts or at funerals, always leaves many with goose bumps. It has uplifted many through the most difficult of moments, soothing their weary spirit.
It’s coming into being in many ways show how God so often uses difficult situations to bless so many. In 1871 Horatio Spafford, was one of the wealthiest lawyers, based in Chicago. He was also a devout Christian, along with his wife Ann, and their four daughters. But early in 1871 came the Great Fire of Chicago that destroyed Spafford’s sizable investment.
Devastated from the loss, Spafford, seeking to recover, two years later, decided to go for a holiday in Europe. But at the last minute he was detained by business, letting Ann and his four daughters to proceed, hoping to join them. No sooner had they left when the ship in which they were had an accident and sank within minutes. All the four children drowned, though Anna survived.
Spafford on receiving the news decided to go and pick up Ann. As he got to the spot where the ship had sunk, in his despair came the words that have brought respite to so many, through generations. “When peace like a river attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well with my soul... Let this blest assurance control That Christ (yes, He has) has regarded my helpless estate, And has shed His own blood for my soul. It is well...With my soul..
It is well, it is well with my soul.”It is said as Ann saw her daughters going down, she said, “God gave me four daughters. Now they have been taken from me. Someday I will understand.” And, indeed, “It is well with my soul” was God’s gift to all of mankind through a tragedy.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of heaven, sometimes through tragedies, it is difficult to understand or appreciate the moment; but as the song goes, whatever the difficulty may be, “Its well with my soul” for you are with me, no matter! This I pray in Jesus’ name!
