Hope That Doesn't Disappoint

Romans 5:3-5

Not only so, but we glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.  NIV

There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary---we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!   The Message

Song from our brothers and sisters from 50 countries:  link 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA7pdABvpnc

For everyone around the world, even before COVID 19, life was full of changes and hardships:

-Fertile eggs became chicks, fighting to get free of the egg shell.

-Many seeds, full of life, burst their coatings to make roots to absorb water/food and shoots to make leaves to find the sun.

-Desire to learn led to concentration, practice, application over time, interfering with competing demands on one’s time, energy, resources.

-Accident or serious disease might have led to loss of body function or parts, bringing pain and distress while forcing changes to gain health and regain function.

-Aging (past 55 years) leads to new insights and perspectives, along with frustrations at loss of vision or hearing, confusion with new technologies or speed of changes in daily life.

- Wars, drought, famine made every day more than a challenge for many people.

This season we are in is no different from life before….but somehow it feels very different. There is a breaking of our sense of “normal” life, knowing for certain what is to come.

This suffering or trouble (tribulation) is universal, it is affecting everyone around the world. For Christians, with Holy Spirit living in us, there can be joy in the midst of all this trouble.

What?! How??

Have you seen any of these benefits:

-Renewed connections with neighbors, friends

-Resolution to conflicts that are seen now as trivial

-Greater practice in daily letting go of fear, worry

-Appreciation of simple daily blessings

-Creative use of available time, resources to benefit others

-Amazement at God’s timely provision

-A sense of true Sabbath rest

-Ideas, thoughts of ways to serve that you’ve never had before

-More frequent/extended prayer time or scripture study

Each instance of any of the above is evidence of God’s work in us and love for us. As we find ourselves reaching out to others to be of service, we become a blessing to others. When we reflect on becoming more like Christ, we can turn loose of anger or hurt and move on to healing old hurts. As we continue to be alive, one day to the next, we can take heart in the many ways God cares for us and our family members.

Some among us have taken up the study of new music making, others a new language. Video connections have allowed classes to continue on line as well as letting some of us stay in touch with those we love who are far away. Just the use of phones is a small miracle in itself.

As we live through each day and give God thanks for all He has done and is doing in our lives and in the world around, our character becomes more patient, more persevering.  As the weeks and months go on, we find that we are able to be creative and even enjoy some of the changes and challenges around us.

When we continue to tell ourselves and each other of the blessings God has granted to us, we confirm that He is working, He never stops working for our good, all the time, everywhere.  

His faithfulness, through all times and seasons, in every land under the sun, is the source of our trust in His goodness and mercy. This gives us confidence to ask the Holy Spirit for guidance, ideas, directions when we don’t know what to do. We are willing take risks and step into what He wants, not just our own desires or plans.

And, my dear friends, what God has for us is so much bigger and grander than anything we could make up for ourselves. This our hope, that will never disappoint. Hope in God who never fails. 

Take a few moments and listen again to the song link given above. You, too, are part of this joy-filled praise of thanksgiving.