by Leanne Purvis
Some mornings I find it hard to get out of bed. The older I get, the more things seem to hurt, and sometimes it feels so comfortable and safe under the sheets I am tempted to stay longer than I really need. Some days I know are going to be hard, whether it be an expected conflict or challenge, or just getting through all the things that need to be done.
Maybe you can relate? Are your first thoughts and emotions of hope and a buzz of expectation, or more of uncertainty and despair?
We all need something to live for, a reason to get up in the morning. Driving to a friend’s house recently I was encouraged by a speaker discussing the different attitudes of patients when faced with a terminal diagnosis. When faced with certain death, with no hope of a cure, the Cancer Doctor was inspired by patients who found hope in what appeared to be a hopeless situation. Rather than dwelling on what they couldn’t do, they were grateful for family, friends and abilities to get them through the day. Their eternal perspective and promise to be with their Heavenly Father were never far from their thoughts and brought joy, peace and hope, where there otherwise was none. As a nurse myself, I’ve witnessed the power of a positive attitude and the difference it can make.
But why wait until we are at death’s door to think of such eternal things? Eternal life starts when we really believe in Jesus, and his sacrifice for our wrongdoings that our relationship with our Creator God is restored. It isn’t just about what happens after we breathe our last breath. Nor is it about having a good luck charm to ward of trouble and illness. Rather it is a friend that walks with us through the darkest times, as described in Psalm 23. It is faith and hope in a God who can move mountains, bullies, bills or whatever else needs moving in our life and He is with us throughout it all.
The Bible shares the hope we have in Jesus. It contains stories of hope worth sharing with those around us. David gives advice in Psalm 42:5b and 11b “Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God.” This reminds me that no matter what my circumstances are, or what emotions are at play in me, I need to go back to basics. I need to remember I am loved and saved, by God. He is the God of hope.
My prayer for you is the same as the apostle Paul prayed for the Romans in chapter 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” With our eyes on Jesus, together, we can face whatever comes our way. He is our hope.
Leanne and her husband are currently attending Bible and culture school in Tasmania in preparation for serving as long term missionaries in Cambodia. Their goal is to encourage the local churches, support the local pastors, assist with discipleship snd church planting, particularly in areas that have not had an opportunity to hear the freeing good news of Jesus sacrifice to restore us to life with the Father. For more details please see their website www.reachingcambodia.info.
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