Peace and Joy
1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.Romans 5:1-5
Life can be so hard.
Things happen in life (many times) that are out of our control. Regardless who you feel should be at the head of this country the turbulent world around us is scary. Situations in many of our lives seem hopeless and irreparable. There are many people out there who have raised their children in the way of the Lord and their children despise the Lord and the church. Marriages fall apart. People die. Life can be an emotional roller coaster.
How can we as Christians not be swayed by the horrible things going on around us and in our lives.. I mean after all the verse I listed says Hope does not disappoint.. Some may ask if hope does not Disappoint then how do all these "bad" things keep happening in our lives and in the lives of people we love..
I think many times people take that part of the scripture out of context and many people have left the Lord because He didn't do what WE hoped for. After all if Hope does not Disappoint then why didn't Jesus do what we hoped for?
We have to look deep into our heart and see where our hope is anchored. Is our hope anchored in the outcome of our circumstances? or, is our hope anchored in God and his love for us despite our circumstances.
This scripture talks about How we gain access to grace and faith through Jesus. Just because we gain access doesnt mean we use it properly. We have to work on going to our hope and faith in Christ.. These verses seem to refer to having hope in CHrist when things are going well.. Rejoice in him!! That seems to be easier for some in the good times..
We also have to rejoice in Him in our times of suffering. Who wants to rejoice in times of suffering? Not me. not if I am honest. I want to curl up in a ball and cry. However We rejoice in times of suffering because that brings about perseverance and perseverance brings Character and Character brings forth Hope.. However this isnt hope in a specific outcome in our current circumstance.
It is hope that no matter what the circumstance HE loves me and will fill me with His love so I can go on and do what He has called me to do.
I do not want to be someone the rejoices in just the GOOD TIMES.. I also do not want to be someone that just runs to the Lord in bad times.. Trying to immaturely make deals with the Lord in trying to get the outcome I want..
I want to be a person the rejoices in ALL things. I know bad things happen and can knock the wind out of your sails. However I want to be someone that dusts myself off and gets up, because that is what He has called me to do.
Many might say why do all this after all I am not called to anything. I say look around and see what is around you. Are you a mother, father, son, daughter brother, sister, employee, do you have neighbors? Then you are called and have purpose for something...
My main reasoning for wanting to get this right are my daughters. After all don't I expect them to not throw temper tantrums when I say no to something they want? I have to be a good example of a child being let by my Father to do the same.
I want to raise strong girls in Christ to have their HOPE in CHRIST and not the circumstances, so I have to do my best to demonstrate that for them. Being a Godly Wife and Mother is my Highest calling.. Sure we have ministry obligations and I do not take that lightly! However, my highest calling and responsibility is to my Husband and daughters.
I have to have Hope that even when circumstances do not turn out the way I would like that is NOT my HOPE.. My hope is that no matter what happens in life that my Jesus is going to turn it around for my good.. That He will take care of me and my family in this world.
That Death is a lie to those who love the Lord (taken form one of my husbands sermons)
I am not Living for this world!
So I ask you What is Your HOPE really in?
