Hope

Of all the Christians you know who needs hope the most? I think it’s the ones in the valley, the ones in the hottest heat of the refiner’s fire and the ones that are just barely holding on.

Romans 5:1-6 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

Have you ever felt like God just wasn’t coming? You know all of His promises but it seems like you have already passed the point of what you can bear. Why does He let us get to that point before He comes to rescue us? Here are some of my thoughts…

If He comes too soon we may never be broken and as we all know it is the broken things that flourish. A kernel of corn must be broken and so must the earth it is planted in to abound. Luke 1:52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.

If He comes too soon we may not recognize that it is Him moving and working. We may take what He does for granted and lose the blessing of knowing that God is moving in our lives.

When we know that a situation or something inside of us was changed only by the grace of God I think it humbles us and gives us a thankful heart.

Sometimes He is strengthening us. I either heard or read a story about a butterfly that had came out of his cocoon in a science lab. He was tethered to his cocoon and after struggling for a couple of days to free himself the scientist finally cut the strings from his cocoon. Consequently the butterfly never gained enough strength to fly.

I think it also helps us to be content in whatsoever state because it teaches us to rely on Him fully when things are at their worst. Notice the progression in the above scripture, tribulation worketh patience and patience experience and experience hope. It is our experience that will show us over time that though the Lord seldom comes in our timing His timing is always perfect. There is great hope to be found in that simple truth. The last part of the above scripture reminds us that when we had no hope and were without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. He is very good at coming and saving us just at the right time.

A quote from a song by the Crabb Family “He never promised that the cross would not get heavy or that the hill would not be hard to climb. He never offered our victories without fighting but He said help would always come in time. So remember when you sitting in the valley of decision and the adversary says give in… Just hold on our Lord will show up and He will take you through the fire again.”