But
by faith we eagerly await through the
Spirit
the righteousness for which we hope.
Galatians
5:5
Even after decades of walking with Jesus, I
stand amazed at God’s perfect timing. As I look back through the years and
begin to recall the times that were darker than a moonless sky, I am reminded
of the powerful presence of God in each situation. At times I did not recognize
the Hand of God until long after my emotional healing began. At other times I
knew immediately that God’s grace had powerfully prepared me to face my
situation head on.
This morning I am once again profoundly
aware of God’s perfect timing. After another restless night pondering the news
of a loved one’s medical diagnosis, and as hopelessness tried to creep into my mind
and my heart, I picked up the daily devotional book that I have read every year
for the past ten years—Streams in the
Desert.
Today’s entry begins “There are times when
everything looks very dark to me—so dark that I have to wait before I have
hope. Waiting with hope is very
difficult, but true patience is expressed when we must even wait for hope.” – George Matheson
So, there I have it. In faith, I must wait
for hope. Until hope comes, I must have faith; belief, conviction, confidence
in God and reliance and dependence on God. I must remember that just behind the
dark clouds of fear is the sunshine of God’s love. I must believe the invisible
in spite of the visible. I must practice what I have often preached to others.
Trust God!
Therefore, until hope comes, I will pray
to my Heavenly Father for strength to stand firm in faith and wait for hope. I will
remind Him of what He already knows—I am weak. I will cling to what I already
know—He is strong! I will go about my day singing my favorite childhood song, “Jesus
loves me this I know—for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to him belong, they
are weak but He is strong!”
As I write these words I am aware of many
others facing a similar dilemma. You may be sitting beside your loved one in a
hospital room or at home with the help of Hospice. Your income may have dried
up but your creditors don’t care. Your child may have lost his way, and you are
not sure that it will be only temporary.
You too may be feeling the weight of hopelessness bending your shoulders toward
the ground.
I have good news! We are not alone while
we wait in faith for our hope to be restored.
“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
In faith hope on sweet friends!
©JP
2013
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