1 Thessalonians 4:13

“…sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.”

With Christ there is no hopeless situation. There is not one moment of hopelessness recorded in the life of Jesus; and he has given us an example that we can follow in his steps.

Hope is an abiding friend. When everything else is gone the Bible says, “Now abides faith, hope and love.” We know well those sinking moments when all seemed lost, yet as much as we wanted to, we did not give up. Have you ever had a tiny slither of glass in your skin that was too small to find, but would not let you forget that it was there? A slither of hope can do the same thing.

Hope is a wrestler that will not throw in the towel. Do you Know Wesley’s hymn of love: “With Thee all night I mean to stay, and wrestle till the break of day?” No one gives up on hope without a fight. And even if you turn and walk away from hope, it tags along behind like a puppy that is waiting for the smallest invitation to come back.

Hope is not something that we can make happen. It is not like a goal that we set; or a resolution we keep. It is quietly there until we get hit hard with some problem or bad news. Then our friend goes into action. Above all things hope reminds us that in life, or death, or life beyond death we have a friend in Jesus, and we can make it!

“So, when the tests and trials, may seem to get you down
And all your friends and loved ones are nowhere to be found
Remember there’s friend in Jesus, who will wipe your tears away
And if your heart is broken, just lift your hands and say:

‘I know that I can make it
I know that I can stand
No matter what may come my way
My life is in your hands.”

Grace and Peace, Rev Ray

“Link to YouTube Video – MY LIFE IS IN YOUR HANDS