Tuesday, April 22, 2008
1 Peter 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
OUR LIVING HOPE
Have you ever felt as though you were facing a hopeless situation? If so, you are not alone. Sometimes when people receive news that they have a serious disease, feelings of hopelessness begin to creep upon them. Perhaps the strain and struggle of life, paying the bills, caring for our children, or working our jobs can also cause us to descend at times into the pit of hopelessness -- as we wonder if things will ever get any better or any easier.
But no matter how bad things might be, the truth is, there is always hope. How can we say that? Because the Bible says it. The bright hope for the future which God promises to all who trust in Him is our own resurrection from the dead and the receiving of the inheritance which God has ready and waiting for us: life in heaven, a place free from the curse of sin where we can live our lives to the fullest without being hindered by disease, discomfort, and distress. Romans 8:18 speaks of the splendor of this hope when it says: "Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."
This hope is a living hope. It is real. It is relevant. It affects the way we live from day to day. It colors our outlook on life. It changes the way we interact and deal with others, even with those who mistreat us. It changes the way we cope with disappointment and sorrow, drying our tears in the hours of tragedy. For in all things, no matter what the circumstances, the Christian always has the hope of eternal life shining brightly before him, like the brightest beacon leading him to safety -- helping him to overcome the frustrations of this world.
