It Begins with Faith!

Good Morning Ladies (and few gents),

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. Psalm 62:5 NLT

2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:2-5 NLT

Summarizing a commentary, I read long, long ago, the Christian life is like a two-sided coin—on one side, we are complete in Christ (our acceptance with him is secure). On the other side, we are growing in Christ (we’re becoming more and more like him). At one and the same time we have the status of royalty and the duties of slaves. We feel both the presence of Christ and the pressure of sin. We enjoy the peace that comes from being made right with God, but we still face daily problems that often help us grow. It’s in remembering these two sides of the Christian life that temptations and problems are placed in perspective and instead of allowing the negativity, discouragement, and fatigue to take hold, we will learn to depend on the power available to us from Christ, who lives in us by the Holy Spirit. I don’t know about you, but the Holy Spirit knew I needed this reminder as I prepare for the day ahead that is filled with hurting, haggled, and hungry for hope individuals.

GiG, our relationship with God begins with faith and hope grows as we learn all that God has in mind for us; it gives us the promise of the future. Truth is we all need hope, or we simply can’t go on. And when we lose hope, we feel like giving up.

One of my client’s this week who has Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) said, “All I want for Christmas is Hope on a Rope, then it will never drop.” For which I commented, “Touché! Sounds like your seeing your PTSD as God intended PTG (Post Traumatic Growth).” For which she exuded a hearty, “Amen!” In that moment I clearly saw a two-sided bar of soap with the imprint “Hope on a Rope” and “Post Traumatic Growth.” Ladies and gents, welcome to DEA’s World where God takes simple and makes it profound.

Today, I hope you recognize the importance of hope because our hope is not like the world who is just wishing that things might get better. No, if we’re doing that, we’re getting it twisted. Our hope is based on the power and the Word of God. Our hope is in this life and an eternal life as well because we have assurance that God is good and loves us deeply. We can have an enduring trust in Him even when everything seems to be coming unraveled, and our plans go awry. GiG, we have good reason to hope. OUCH or Amen!

May we be encouraged by the psalmist—“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.” 62:5 ESV.

God’s Got It… so we can know the TRUTH—As far as the Lord is concerned the time to stand is in the darkest moment. It is when everything sees hopeless, when there appears no way out, when God alone can deliver. David Wilkerson.

Called to serve and encouraging others to thrive,

DEA: Embracing a Just Be Joyful Life 2020: Laughing, Loving, and Living Life That Extends Far Beyond My Circumstances