Hope in uncertain times. Hope is always vital, but especially in the times we live in. A perfect storm of unprecedented events has prophetic implications that leave us unsettled at best. Apocalypic-type flooding, drought, heat, tornadoes - added to economic and worldwide political turmoil - place us in new, uncharted territory. A pervading anxiety over the uncertainty of our times characterizes the emotional climate of our world today.
Christian hope is never diminished, but it's brightness is less apparent in times of security and affluence. When the world's provisions are threatened and shaken, people of faith look to their hope with renewed fervor. Hope shines brightest when the darkest clouds of a fallen world roll in.
Hope is not easily obtained. It is the end result of the tempering experiences of life's trials and challenges: "tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:3-5)
Novices to tribulation develop perseverance - a resolute determination to stay the course. But, it is only those who have graduated cum laude from the school of tribulation who ultimately develop hope through proven character.
Diploma mills grant prestigious degrees to those willing to fork over the funds to buy them. But, this short-cut to credentials circumvents the process of education that adds true value to the degree. Such as it is with hope - the "school of tribulation" is that which adds value to the hope which is attained as a result. Hope that is not forged in the crucible of tribulation is really no hope at all.
The prized acquisition of hope is worth all the trials of the school of tribulation; "hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Hope is invigorated through the comforting love of God conveyed to us through Holy Spirit.
Rare is the individual who embraces trials, in spite of the biblical admonition to do so ("Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials - James 1:2). And yet, it is only through the refining process that trials bring that hope can truly be acquired.
The challenges of our uncertain times offer us unprecedented opportunity to cultivate true hope. Rather than lamenting the losses, may we rejoice in the gains that these character-shaping times afford us.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011
Christian hope is never diminished, but it's brightness is less apparent in times of security and affluence. When the world's provisions are threatened and shaken, people of faith look to their hope with renewed fervor. Hope shines brightest when the darkest clouds of a fallen world roll in.
Hope is not easily obtained. It is the end result of the tempering experiences of life's trials and challenges: "tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:3-5)
Novices to tribulation develop perseverance - a resolute determination to stay the course. But, it is only those who have graduated cum laude from the school of tribulation who ultimately develop hope through proven character.
Diploma mills grant prestigious degrees to those willing to fork over the funds to buy them. But, this short-cut to credentials circumvents the process of education that adds true value to the degree. Such as it is with hope - the "school of tribulation" is that which adds value to the hope which is attained as a result. Hope that is not forged in the crucible of tribulation is really no hope at all.
The prized acquisition of hope is worth all the trials of the school of tribulation; "hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Hope is invigorated through the comforting love of God conveyed to us through Holy Spirit.
Rare is the individual who embraces trials, in spite of the biblical admonition to do so ("Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials - James 1:2). And yet, it is only through the refining process that trials bring that hope can truly be acquired.
The challenges of our uncertain times offer us unprecedented opportunity to cultivate true hope. Rather than lamenting the losses, may we rejoice in the gains that these character-shaping times afford us.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011
posted by steve @ 9:19 AM
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