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Hope

j0444212There have been many times in my life when things seemed hopeless – when I had run out of options and solutions and like the Psalmist, cried out to God:

 “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to thee, when my heart is faint.”

In those moments we realize we need much more than our own strength and ability to find solutions – we need God’s love, strength and wisdom. At such times we cry out for a miracle.

Hope. When we have hope there is a feeling of expectancy and trust that there is a chance or possibility that something good might happen. But it isn’t a hope placed in the human world but a trust in God and a belief that He will never desert or leave us.

Difficulties and problems will challenge us every day, some more daunting than others, which will require our ability to analyze and realize solutions. But when those adversities involve the death of loved ones, dreams and expectations or life altering events, we are left stunned and wondering what to do.

There are many stories of people who have found themselves in life threatening situations who have experienced miracles.

But what happens when we have prayed for a miracle and it doesn’t happen? Does that mean our hope has been misplaced or misguided?

I have experienced life saving miracles that supersede any rational or logical explanation. But I have also experienced the transformation of life as a result of placing my hope, faith and trust in God. The miracle then is that we are given the wisdom, strength and fortitude necessary to work through tough times and impossible circumstances.

 “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future….” Jer 29:11

As we humble ourselves and place our hope and trust in God, we will be given whatever we need to face any adversity and with His help are able to handle whatever crisis or tragedy we face.

May your hope and trust this Christmas season be placed in the Son of God who came to this earth so many years ago to be our hope and salvation.

 Marlene Anderson

 

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