Can you believe we are almost into 2016? A brand new start ... if we choose. And our well-placed hope in God makes all the difference.
As Christian authors, I’m sure we write
stories to give hope. I always add romance as the plot is usually about
someone's dreams being fulfilled. Maybe not as they'd visualized but with a
wonderful end result. And I always allow my main characters to grow emotionally
and spiritually.
There's no doubt hope is what keeps us going...moving forward and never giving up. God has given us that ability. Even so it is still a choice we have to make even when things seem impossible.
Thousands of years ago when God allowed the Jews to be captured by the King Nebuchadnezzar, the ruler of the Babylonian kingdom, He gave them hope for their future. Yes, they'd sinned against His Word, by listening to evil prophets and diviners, consequently being caught up with horrible practices. Yet, even after they'd been carried off to a far land he granted them hope. Hope that if they repented of their wrongdoing, He would again bring them back into their own land. In fact He said an amazing thing to them through the prophet Jeremiah. We read:
"I will fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you," declares the lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
We may face some limiting circumstances today. We may have lost a dear one, or are facing financial difficulties, or a debilitating illness. Now is the time to seek the Lord Jesus with all your heart. Find your hope in Him for this coming year.
There's no doubt hope is what keeps us going...moving forward and never giving up. God has given us that ability. Even so it is still a choice we have to make even when things seem impossible.
Thousands of years ago when God allowed the Jews to be captured by the King Nebuchadnezzar, the ruler of the Babylonian kingdom, He gave them hope for their future. Yes, they'd sinned against His Word, by listening to evil prophets and diviners, consequently being caught up with horrible practices. Yet, even after they'd been carried off to a far land he granted them hope. Hope that if they repented of their wrongdoing, He would again bring them back into their own land. In fact He said an amazing thing to them through the prophet Jeremiah. We read:
"I will fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you," declares the lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
We may face some limiting circumstances today. We may have lost a dear one, or are facing financial difficulties, or a debilitating illness. Now is the time to seek the Lord Jesus with all your heart. Find your hope in Him for this coming year.
God bless you dear reader
Wonderful reminder of where to seek our hope.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, Adam. Yes, where else can we go?
ReplyDeleteThankyou for this beautiful word Rita. I am finishing 2015 with some very trying circumstances, but know that God has gone before me and is making the way ahead. And if I keep trusting and hoping in Him, then all things will work for His glory. Blessings to you, and all the CWD contributors and readers. Helen.
ReplyDeleteDear Helen, I do wish and pray that those circumstances will draw you closer to your loving heavenly Father. Cyber hugs coming your way!
DeleteGreat reminder not to give up hope. Thanks Rita.
ReplyDeleteAnd we do have HOPE dear Jeanette! And Faith is the substance of things hoped for.
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