HOPE

Hope shines brightest when the hour is darkest.
Hope motivates when discouragement comes.
Hope energizes when the body is tired.
Hope sweetens while bitterness bites.
Hope sings when all melodies are gone.
Hope believes when evidence is eliminated.
Hope listens for answers when no one is talking.
Hope climbs over obstacles when no one is helping.
Hope endures hardship when no on is caring.
Hope smiles confidently when no one is laughing.
Hope reaches for answers when no one is asking.
Hope presses toward victory when no one is encouraging.
Hope dares to give when no one is sharing.
Hope brings the victory when no one is winning.

John Maxwell from Think on These Things –

⁵ Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.  Romans 5:5

"Walking With God"

I did a long distance run in Kona yesterday.  During it I walked a little too frequently.  During one of those walking spells that I started drawing parallels between that expedition I was on and our walk with the Lord.

 We receive the Lord’s salvation for our life not because it’s necessarily fun, but because we know it’s for our good. ( I signed up for the run because I thought it would be good for my physical health, not because I thought it would be fun to pound my feet on the hot Kona pavement.)

We generally start out on our journey somewhat enthusiastic.  ( Brand new Christians are often so excited.)

Along the way different emotions arise. ( Hmm, living as a Christian isn’t as, easy as I thought it would be.)

Hey, this isn’t fun right now.  Gosh, it’s a little too hot today.  (Earthly struggles can be frequent in our spiritual journey.)

I wish I was in better shape, this would be easier.  (I wish I had spent more time at His feet and in His Word, this “struggle’ would be easier to handle.)

Oh no, a long up hill and no shade.  (Eek, I’m facing a disaster; where are you, Lord?)

Oh look, a stretch of shade for a while.  (He’s helped me through my crisis and He is so awesome and comforting.)

Okay, I’d kind of like to be done with this now. (Many, many times living the Christian life doesn’t  feel too “convenient’.)

If I stop, I’ll never get back home.  (I can’t stop living for Christ, I won’t get to my heavenly home.)

Okay, I can do this, I have a strong mind. I just need to keep putting one foot out in front of the other. (“He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor. 1:8 “If only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” Act 20:24)

May we each walk strong in Him, moving closer to our heavenly home.