HOPE

Waiting seems to be a part of our lives. As children, we can hardly wait to grow up. Birthdays and Christmas are especially tough on children. The days before Christmas stretch their patience as well as their parents. Waiting is not viewed as much fun, whether it is at Disneyland, DMV or the Doctor's office. Or waiting on a reply, for help, on circumstances to change, loved ones to return home from the war, for houses to sell, for the stock market to rise, for life to get back to pre-recession normal.

Though we may dislike waiting, God uses it to build into our lives. At the heart of waiting is hope. Hope, like waiting, anticipates what is next. Hope is confident expectation. Hope sounds so much more positive than waiting. Often these two words are used interchangeable in the Bible. One translation may use "wait" while the other uses "hope." As followers of Christ, we find ourselves waiting on the Lord. There is an expectation that the Lord will act on our behalf. So we wait on the Lord to comfort, provide, and fulfill His Word. Though these two words are similiar, they can take us in opposite directions. For instance, "waiting" from an earthly viewpoint, is focused more on ourselves and the misery we feel. It is putting in time and keeps our eyes on our circumstance. It is something we have to put up with. On the other hand, "hope" keeps our eyes on Jesus and what He will do. Hope helps us endure the hardship, for we know that God will not abandon us nor forsake us.

Consider our theme verse for the year: Romans 15.4 "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." In the midst of life's storms, we have God's Word which instills in us hope, a confident expectation that God will act on our behalf. That God will fulfill His Word. That we belong to Him, therefore He will show up at just the right time.

Consider Isaiah 40.28-31 "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

The Lord doesn't grow tired, His strength is endless. God doesn't give up, He is patient with us, and will act at just the right time to give us just what we need when we need it. So keep your eyes on Jesus and He will see you through. God will not forget you! You belong to Him! You are special and God will keep you in His capable hands.

Blessings,
Pastor Pete