“Christ in you, the
hope of Glory” Colossians 1:27 (NIV)
From May 24, 2010:
Definition: Hope- reliance on God’s blessings and
provisions; the expectation of future good.
When we rely on God’s blessings and provisions, we possess
hope. People who live their lives for Christ walk through their days following
His leading. The verse, Colossians 1:27, speaks of {the presence of} Christ
being an expectation of future good.
When we have Christ in our hearts, we become His
instruments. We become the hands, the feet, the voice He needs to reach those
who need to find Him. God uses us, His children, to demonstrate His love and
care to those who need Him—the hurting, the displaced, the impoverished. We
become His hope when we yield to Him. As we mature in Christ, we learn from Him
the exact nature of His will for our lives.
UPDATE:
My word for 2014 is Hope. We, who rely on God, demonstrate
hope for those around us. We become Christ’s hope when he presents us with a
ministry, a task to do for the kingdom. As I wrote this in mid-December, I had
a decision to make. Had I had to give an answer on this issue two weeks ago, I
believe I would have said I couldn’t do the job. But, what I saw told me that I
may be able to do this task.
I made my decision on December 30, 2011. I am not able to do
what someone asked me to do. Praise the Lord, she understood. While I wanted to
do what the person asked me to do, I had to listen to God in light of some
health issues.
Then, I re-read what I wrote back in 2010.
Linking to: beneaththesurface-dawn.
Yes! I do want to be used by Christ this year as well...and yielding to His will is not always easy, but it is a way to stretch our faith and grow...and strengthen our minds, spirit, and body! (Strengthen is MY word for 2014). Thank you for this thought today. Blessings to you my friend.
ReplyDeletePam: Thank you for your kind comments. All who truly belong to God want to be used by Him. God will use those who seek His will.
ReplyDeleteLove your word. Of course. Hope--as you know, it's a 'substantial' word. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you,Jeskmom. I have already learned some things about hope. I find this fascinating.
DeleteI am encouraged by this thought Cecelia! It is a powerful reminder that there are many who have no hope, for all are truly hopeless without Him, yet when I yield to Him, He is glorified, and it brings hope to others in ways I may not know now. Thanks for your faithfulness! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteAs I was in prayer this morning, I found myself thinking about those who are homeless.Sometimes, they have no hope. There was an article in our local paper before Christmas about a couple who were living in a tent behind a local business. People came to their rescue and found them a place of shelter and both of them were able to find work. God was in this story and the follow up.
DeleteCecelia, I love your gracious way of writing and can imagine that you speak the same way. HOPE is one of the most vital ingredients for every life I think. Despair leads to so many who literally give up on life, when just a tiny sliver of hope would have made the difference. You and God are clearly up to something this year!
ReplyDeleteSusie
Susie: Thank you for your kind thoughts. I have to say I am in a waiting mode. I believe God is wanting me to learn patience.
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