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True Hope…How Sweet It Is!
This Christmas season has been a bit odd for me…I’ve actually been a bit off kilter at times. It’s been a mix of wrestling, sweetness, revelation and then purposeful resting in Him. What’s really cool about it, as has always been the case with me, God has used these “off” times to draw me closer to Him by revealing to me more of Him…and more of whom I am vs. whom I should be. Not coincidentally, the verse I’ve been assigned to write on in Ephesians partly points to one of the primary things God has been showing me – it’s only hope in Him that brings real promise, real peace, real joy. Which is also a great thing to be wrestling with and resting in this time of year. Thanks you Jesus…um, for a number of reasons.
Do you remember what it was like not having Christ in your life? Or…times in your life when you haven’t been focusing on Him or the promises He brings – but rather looking at your circumstances (e.g., relationships, job, money, etc.) for validation or meaning? How desperate and lonely and anxious life is without Him…without God at the center of your life. In contrast, how rich and full and sweet and meaningful and blessed our lives are with Him…full of HOPE?!
I’m reminded of a precious few minutes I was able to share with 3 young women in Kenya with several others of the CCC team last month. Lucy, Sabina, and Gladys had all just shared about the tragic stories of their lives while living on the streets…and as the sun peaked through the clouds and open window of our makeshift meeting room, God showed me where true hope came from in the strong, resilient, joyful faces of these beautiful young women…faith in Him. Even in this “better” life they now have at Tumaini Children’s Home (orphanage), I will likely never know the meager circumstances or limited promise (from a worldly perspective) these girls have…but I pray that I beam with the sweet hope they have in Christ the way they do. What a blessing.
So how have you been this Christmas season? Good…bad? Skipping along? Off kilter? Regardless, where does your hope come from?
“May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.” Romans 15: 13
Oh my friend, how poignant this journal entry was for me right now. The sweet peace I have today comes only from resting in Him. There have been extreme highs this season (son home from college) and extreme lows (emotional outbursts by hurting family). The times I’ve chosen to sit with Him have been sweet and full of hope.
Thank you for your clear perspective and obedience.
Dooglass,
Thanks for you perspective in focusing on Jesus! Also, thanks for you service, your friendship and your leadership at Cumberland!
Your amigo,
Eduardo
Dougie!
Thanks for reminding us where true hope and peace comes from. Thanks for allowing Jesus to be your lead and guide as a faithful servant at CCC for so many years.
I am blessed beyond measure to call you a friend and a brother.
Love you lots.
T
Doug, thanks for these timely words as I so needed them today. Whenever I am feeling anxious, that is such a good indicator of how I am not in synch with my Maker and how I am not placing my hope in him alone. Very cool words today, thanks brother.
Chuck