DECEMBER 24, 2021
HOPE FOR TOMORROW
The Definition of Hope;
Used as a Noun: “A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.” “A belief in things to come.” Words that might describe hope are; Longing; dream, faith, goal, wish, aspiration, anticipation. Used as a Verb: “To look forward to with desire and reasonable confidence. To believe, To trust.”
Hope is a powerful force and probably the most important factor when it comes to overcoming life’s biggest challenges. Without it, everything is lost. Notice we said life’s biggest challenges and not just all of the little ones in our lives. (Don’t sweat the small stuff and most of it is small stuff) When you think of hope, think of wisdom, courage, self-mastery, and love. (Our Band of Brothers’ Four Pillars) It is a smart thing to have hope by looking for the opportunities just around the corner, by preparing yourself for those times in your life when you will be challenged, both emotionally and physically. Then allow your confidence, optimism and faith to help you overcome any deep despair you may be facing. Hope could just be the power you need, to make you do something you thought was seemingly impossible. How are you dealing with YOUR life’s challenges? With HOPE, I hope!
Last week we talked about “Fighting the Good Fight.” I know it may be hard for some to be optimistic during difficult times. But if you think of HOPE as a weapon, (I hope ALL of you are fighters for something) then use it to fight and you will eventually find your way out of those difficult times. Don’t just sit there waiting for the worst to happen because there’s always one more thing that you can do. (Take ACTION) You just haven’t thought about it yet. Use your head and your heart as you think about it. When tough times surround us, God normally sends a person to help us. Look for those people because they are out there ready and willing to assist. This means YOU will need to be similarly compassionate, vulnerable and available to others as well. Some people are more optimistic and hopeful by nature, but even they need a little reassurance every now and then, that things will get better. When you are feeling down, try reading a story or watching a show with a happy ending, listen to your favorite music, or go out and do something nice for someone expecting nothing in return. Try doing it 10 times so that it becomes a habit. This means YOU need to be the one giving HOPE to others in order to find it in yourself.
In first-century Israel, the people were hoping that someone would emerge to help overthrow Rome. They were hoping for a “militant Messiah” to free them from their captivity. But, while Jesus WAS the “Good News,” Jesus wasn’t the good news they expected or hoped for. He wasn’t coming to overthrow Rome. He was coming to die for the sins of the world. Just as the message of hope was delivered by the shepherds (the so-called “lowest class of people” at the time) many years ago, we, too, need to share this message of hope with others. (Welcome to Christmas)
We all know people that are hurting this Christmas. Recently, some have lost everything they own during the devastating tornadoes of 2021. Some have lost their lives; some are sick, some have a loved one who is sick, some are living in a fantasy world fueled by politics, and some are just very depressed. We need to tell people there is hope. Hope for a better tomorrow. We need to share with people that a Savior has been born and that we don’t have to worry or be afraid. This is the season and the reason Christ has come. He has been born, he walked on this earth, died on the cross, and rose from the dead. What a great gift of hope awaits each one of us. All you need to do is ask. (AND it’s FREE along with FREEING).
Elevator Guy
Quote for the Day; “Learn from yesterday, live for today, HOPE for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” Albert Einstein