For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? (1 Thes 2:19)
We have been blessed. We have hope! Even when we have been surrounded by the troops of the enemy, we know that with perseverance and faith we will emerge victoriously! Although we wait for that coming and at times it seems that it will never come, we know that it will and Christ will reclaim what is rightfully his!
We have a tough "row to hoe". But the crop we plant will be harvested to heaven and our toils will be no more! We will, someday, walk with the King in all his glory and be forever in his presence. It is in Jesus that we place our hope. It is for his glory that we do all that we do! With the Holy Spirit to guide us and give us strength, there is nothing that we cannot accomplish in his name! He does not abandon us, ever!
We have been chosen to live a life that reflects his love. It is not an easy life. It can be lonely and desolate at times. It can be filled with the anger and rage of those who do not understand why we continue to rejoice in our sorrows and why we do not pursue the recourses of man for justice. Some things are better left to the justice of God. We may entertain the thoughts of earthly righteousness, but we do not act upon those thoughts. We leave it all in the hands of the Almighty, and in that, he is pleased. He will provide for us, he's promised that. He keeps his promises. Nothing is impossible and our cries are heard, our tears will be dried and our prayers will be answered!
God has already given us the greatest of all gifts ~ he's given us Jesus! Through that promise our hope and faith are restored fully to what it is he represents! Eternal life! There is no other power on earth or in heaven that can match that! Although our human wants and needs cry out to be met, our souls are secure in the fact that we are bound for the city of eternal light! Our comfort on earth is not guaranteed. And all of the events of this world cannot break us down if we don't allow them to!
Pray for the strength to continue to place your hope in Jesus! Pray that others will see the "error of their way" and come to him for forgiveness. Pray for the courage to walk the path of his righteousness and spread the gospel to all. Pray for his will in your life.
My hope is in my Savior - my savior is Jesus Christ!
[Suggested Scripture for January 21, 2011 - Job 40-42]
