July 05


Hope


The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Romans 8:18 (NKJV)


I will put my trust in Him.

Hebrews 2:13 (NAS)


For some reason, I’ve been reading about Job lately. What an amazing man. He suffered so much and endured so long. His faith was absolutely amazing. He said, in spite of his incredible pain and anguish, “I know my Defender lives ... Even after my skin has been destroyed; in my flesh I will see God ... How my heart wants that to happen” (Job 19:25-27).

We may not suffer like Job, but all of us experience some kind of set back in this life, and God asks the same thing of us, “Trust Me.”

Missionary Helen Roseveare understood this lesson after a most horrible experience in the Congo. Years ago, during an uprising, Her faith was severely tested when she was assaulted, raped, and treated brutally. After reflection, this woman of faith commented, “I must ask myself a question as if it came directly from the Lord. ‘Can you thank Me for trusting you with this experience even if I never tell you why?’”

Wow. What an incredible thought and what deep faith in God’s ultimate good will. As I reflect on their words, both Job and Helen inspire me, and I’m sure, in spite of the limited and temporary suffering, our dream of eternity is more real and more powerful than our present struggle.

God has placed eternity in our hearts, and this is my dream. It has grown so big. It fills my mind and my heart ... these thoughts of heaven with friends and family and this shared joy with God. Paul had it right. His words to the Romans ring true. God has something better for us, and He gives us this hope ... if only we’ll trust in Him.


Father, give us this hope. We trust in You. Amen.