Ridgell's Originals

 Hope.

Everyone has things they hope for, not wish for, but hope for.  Things that there is some basis of expectation of in the reality of life.

Lots of people at this time of year "hope" things will be different.  Better relationships.  More financial stability.  Better health.  More standing up to the demons in your life.  Freedom from addictions.

Things are tough this year.  Almost every person I know has a trial/stuggle/battle that they hope is better next year.  For some, it is just wishful thinking and they know it.  Truth is... they feel hopeless, not hopeful.

For others, there is a real sense that they will make it thru the darkness, that things will be better, and that they will overcome.

So what about us Christians?

We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.  We are happy because we expect to live in the glory of God.

But what about all the trials/tribulations/struggles?  Christians rejoice in those because they are teaching us -- reminding us -- of our hope.

Because tough times teach us to keep clinging to Jesus, to get up every day and try to honor God, and to put one foot in front of the other in following Jesus.

That determination builds character.  Christian character.  We are becoming more like Jesus.

That character gives up hope.  A hope that will never disappoint us.  

Because we have the Holy Spirit and God uses the Holy Spirit to pour his love into our hearts.

You may be thinking that is the stupidest thing you ever heard and how in the world did I ever think up something like this.

Well, I didn't.  I found it in Romans 5. 

Real hope because of a real God who came into a real world.

So if you feel hopeless this year, I can tell you where hope is found.

If you know someone who cannot see hope anywhere, ask if you can share the source of your hope.

Our hope in the glory of God does not take away the hard times.  But it does redeem our battles.  Remakes the struggle into real hope.

That is one of the real messages of the Christmas season that reminds us Jesus came into this world so we can have hope.

Let's spead hope everywher.  

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM