Every life, believers or not, face struggles. It is part of just living on this earth. The amazing part of walking with Jesus is we are not ALONE in these struggles. He is not only with us–he is in us–the hope of glory. Paul wrote encouraging words to church at Colossae, words we can glean for ourselves. For God wanted them (us) to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory! (Colossians 1:17)
My question to all of us today is–have you forgotten that Christ lives within you? That we have access to His power, His might, the fruit of His Spirit? He is working in our hearts and lives His wonders to perform–but these are definitely things we must deliberately with intention release our faith to receive the full benefits of. Someone once told me that the Holy Spirit is a gentlemen and as such He will never force himself where he is not invited or asked. But–once we ask and release our faith to trust He is answering that request watch out! He will begin to show you things that before you might have missed. He will open your eyes to His workmanship in you .
Have you ever felt like giving up? Wondering if it is all worth it? Most likely your hope is under attack. These type of attacks usually are sneaky and subtle—like rain slowly eroding an embankment. The confident walk and hopeful future begins to fade, we begin to wonder if we even have a future–must less a good one! However, thanks be to our God who stirs us up and reminds us that He is our hope. Romans 8:24 We were given this hope when we were saved, (if we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently. If you find your hope ebbing it’s important to do a re-set.
Our hope can become disappointed, disillusioned and discouraged when it is misplaced. We must make sure our hope is in Him–not necessarily in a person or thing. In my own life, coming to terms of being a widow was difficult. Darryl and I had a motto: “the best is yet to come–grow old with me”. It didn’t happen. As my life changed, so did my assumptions. I had to renew my hope in the Christ who lives within me. The Christ who knows me. The Christ who is still bringing me into a hopeful future. I choose today to enjoy Him and HIs promises. I choose today to say yes to His Hope in me and for me. This is the day I will rejoice and be glad in Him because I can! Do not let Satan steal your hope through misplaced expectations. Release your faith Him and trust His plans. It really is worth it!
Faith Encounters 