Point to the God of hope.
| posted 1/30/2009
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Remember when you were young and you dreamed about being an adult? Everything in the adult world seemed better, easier, more fun. But when you eventually reached adulthood, you realized that being a grown up has its price. Adult life can bring crumbling dreams and unbearable heartache. As you struggle to get through the rough spots, you may lose track of the hope you had as a child—the hope that one day, things will get better.
For many people, the hope for a life without seemingly endless struggles is long gone. But if you are a Christian, hope is not only on the horizon. It's within your reach. God promises healing, comfort, and joy—no matter what you've been through. Where the world sees only suffering, you can envision the bright glimmer of a life safe in God's loving care.
When your friends are suffering, point them to God, helping them rest in his promise for better days to come. (See also Job 13:5-15; Isaiah 43:2-4; 2 Corinthians 1:3-7.)
Good Words to Remember:
He has sent me … to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Isaiah 61:1, 3
Today's Challenge:
What friend of yours needs hope? How can you encourage him or her?
Copyright 2003 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.
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