We don't have to lose hope!
Based on Job 25-27, Acts 12
The situations around us, even the people close to us, might be giving into the pandemic of hopelessness. While many other problematic pandemics are sweeping through our nation-sickness, depression, confusion, fear...we don't have to stop rejoicing in The Lord! We don't have to give into hopelessness because of all these things! Our world doesn't have to shatter! Easier said than done, I know...but that's why I actually enjoy reading Job. It's not about a guy who falls victim to his circumstances and stays that way. It's about a guy who loves God, even though he has his struggles. He keeps loving God. He keeps speaking about the hope that's in God. He holds onto his integrity & hope:
"All the while my breath is in me, And the spirit of God is in my nostrils; My lips shall not speak wickedness, Nor my tongue utter deceit. God forbid that I should justify you: Till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me."
Job 27:3-5
...And then there's Rhoda! Her joy & gladness was received as madness. She and the whole household with her were praying for a miracle for Peter who was taken to prison, but when he came to the door, only Rhoda claimed the miracle by hearing his voice...the others waited to open the door to see. Our joy in The Lord is sometimes considered crazy by others. Others think we are manufacturing this hope ourselves. But just look at these joyful testimonies! There is only REAL hope in Jesus. No other thing in this world, no other person, will give joy, gladness and hope like The Lord!
"And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished."
Acts 12:14-16
written by
Gina Pietrzak
Comments
No comments yet — be the first to share your thoughts!
Keep Reading
Surviving the Peace Plummet
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 1 Corinthians 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. Peacefulness is the toughest muscle there is, and exercising it only makes it stronger. However, it proves to be the most difficult to keep toned & honed consistently in our lives. Peacefulness is like that one workout that you know is going to take the most time...
A Moment of Silence.
As was powerfully preached this past Wednesday, "Let there be light" were the first words spoken by God in Genesis 1:3... And He wasn't necessarily speaking about a physical manifestation... But a Spiritual one. Knowing that creation Would mean redemption. It would mean... Heaven needs to touch earth... Light would need to pierce the veil of darkness... The process of creating was ongoing... All the way to the point of creating in us clean hearts (Psalm 51:10) by being born again of water &...