Keep Calm

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Romans 5:1-5)

I can waist my life doing absolutely nothing. I can tell you about how awful it is and how much I've been through. I could tell you about how unfortunate things have been since birth. I could tell you about how the odds are rarely ever in my favor and how sometimes all I want to do is curl up in a ball, in a corner somewhere, and cry my eyes out because of how unfair life seems to be. I could tell you about the times I felt abused, misused, and mistreated. I could even tell you how it felt to look in the mirror and not recognize the reflection. But, it would only leave you asking, where is hope?

Having multiple jobs and barely having a roof over your head while there are people in the world who never go to work, but are well taken care of....doesn't quite sit right. Studying day in and day out to no avail academically while there are those who don't study at all, yet those are the ones who get the highest grades on test just doesn't sound right. Grown men murdering innocent children and receiving literally a slap on the wrist and a don't do that again, while there are plenty of innocent men and women behind bars doesn't quite fit right. So again, I ask where is hope?

In a world where bad news is a popular trend and negativity has infiltrated it's way into the hearts and minds of man it's safe to say that hope is far from here. It's safe to say that we as a people have forgotten who it is that we were called to be and have lost our sense of purpose. It's safe to say that we are now is a State of Emergency desperate for deliverance, desperate for a breakthrough, desperate to hear from heaven that we might experience the power of the Holy Spirit and forever be changed. It's safe to say that like sheep we need our shepherd, like children we need our father, like tourist we need our tour guide because we've literally  lost our way and forgotten about hope.

Hope says that it's not over till it's over. Hope says that things may look bad, but it's not as bad as it seems. You've been through some rough times before and if you were honest with yourself you would realize that this rain is nothing compared to the storms you've been through in the past. Hope says that although you're going through, you will come out on top. Hope says that although you may think that the ground around you is sinking, stand still and know that he is God, and that because he's God he will deliver you that you might share your testimony and draw others to him. Hope says that when man says no, God has the final say. Hope says when the road looks like a dead end, God has the ability to give you the strength and courage to blaze a new trail that others who come after you might follow in your foot steps. Hope says that although you feel like you're by yourself, God is there with you, cheering you on every step of the way. Hope says that when family neglects you God will be there to protect you, and restore the joy of your salvation. Hope says that when you're hurt God is a healer. Hope says that if you have the faith all things are possible if you only believe.

Yes, life has been hard and no one can take that away from you. Yes, the situation is bad, but it will get better if you hold on to hope. Don't be so quick to give up, and quit. Don't stop because people are talking about you. Don't get discouraged because of the outcomes of others, try God for yourself and cling to hope. Initially, we were all sentenced to death as a result of the multitude of our sin and unrighteousness in the eye site of God. Originally, we were headed for destruction for our inability to live according to the rules and guidelines that God set before us, but hope by way of God's son Jesus the Christ stepped in to save the day. Jesus gave his life that we might have an opportunity to know hope personally as a result of the shedding of his innocent blood. Now our outcome is strictly dependent upon whether or not we personally live in compliance of God's word by reviving the gift of salvation, and sharing the message with those that we might come in contact with. Hope didn't just arrive, it's always been here. Everyday that you wake up to grace and mercy, there's new hope. Every chance you get to utilize the limbs bestowed upon you, there's hope. The beautiful thing about Jesus is the fact that he'll never leave you or forsake you, and if you let him he'll dwell inside of your heart. Meaning that no longer will you have to look for hope because it will dwell inside of you. Life won't always be easy, but remember that as long as you've got Jesus there's hope.

Let us bow:

Lord,

Some of us are professional worriers to the point that's literally all we know how to do. We've worried so much that it's stressing us out and straining our relationships with other people and so father we ask for peace that we might have confidence in the work that you're doing in our lives. We may not understand what's going on right now but we have the faith that it's going to be something that strengthens our character, develops our faith, and speaks volumes of your work inside of us. So have your way Lord that we might always utilize your hope, your peace, and your understanding for it is in your name that we pray, Amen!