I was on the phone an hour with Ray. His wife had contacted me, distraught that he was depressed and had been lying in bed since he broke his neck. Ray was a former pastor and probably knew more scripture than I did. When he didn't respond after an hour, I took a different tact. "Did you see the movie The Shawshank Redemption?"
He seemed surprised at my question. "Remember when Andy DuPhrane said to his fellow prisoner, 'Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies... so get busy living, or get busy dying.'" Ray was quiet for a long moment then said softly, "Hope is a good thing." From then on, he got busy living.
It's amazing how far we can go on a little bit of hope. Hope means "I know I can make it!" The source of all hope is none other than Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13 says, "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." (KJV).
No wonder today's verse tells us to trust in "the God of hope." From the Lord alone flows all joy and peace. I saw hope overflow in Ray's life when he and his wife finally came to one of our Family Retreats. There they were, passing on hope to others!
Hope happens when we gently point people to Jesus, whether through a few encouraging words, a scripture in a note card, or just spending an hour on the phone together. Today, nudge people toward "the Blessed Hope," the Lord Jesus.
Father, because you are the God of Hope, I have assurance that I can make it through the toughest of times. Help me to pass on your hope to a hurting friend today.
Blessings,
Joni and Friends
www.joniandfriends.org
Joni and Friends Daily Devotional
All Things
Written by Barbara Alpert
Are you confused and not sure what to do or where to turn? Let us pray for you.
All Things
Written by Barbara Alpert
Are you confused and not sure what to do or where to turn? Let us pray for you.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (Romans 8:28-29)
My husband enjoys Saturday mornings because I usually make chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. He has no clue what the required ingredients are but he knows it will taste good when it’s done. The ingredients by themselves would not be appealing to have for a special morning breakfast. Chances are he would gag while eating the dry mix and frown trying to gulp down oil and raw eggs. The only enjoyable thing would be the chocolate morsels, but he’d get sick if he ate a plate of them. However, when all the ingredients are mixed together and cooked they form a delicious stack of chocolate chip pancakes.
As with the batch of pancakes, you must realize that God works in “all things” for the good of those who love Him. You may not like nor fully understand why unappealing ingredients come into your life, but if it produces the result God desires everything will work to your advantage. As you love God and look to Him you will understand that He works for your good and not against you.
God’s ultimate goal is to form you into the likeness of Christ. Whatever He permits to come into your life is intended to transform you into the image of His Son. More often than not it is in the difficult and chastising times of life that God accomplishes His greatest works in and through you. God does not desire for you to experience needless suffering. It is wise to conform to His ways readily rather than stubbornly.
Even when you make a big mess out of things, God can turn it around for His glory and for your benefit. Something good will come out of your tear-filled days and hardships as long as you remain hopeful, trusting in His ultimate goodness.
God uses “all things” from your life –broken pieces, mistakes, unfulfilled dreams, and childhood tragedies– to produce a miraculous masterpiece, if you let Him. Allow Him to take all the ingredients of your life and work them together to bring about something good. When God’s good works and blessings bloom in your life remember to give Him all the glory. Give back to the Lord and choose to share all the ‘delectable things’ God bestows upon you with others.
Heavenly Father, Although I might not fully understand, I trust You have a good reason and purpose for all things that take place in my life. I realize when tough situations come it may in fact be a predestined time where You are conforming me into the likeness of Your Son. I know You can take whatever hardship I face and turn it around for my good and Your glory. In Jesus name I pray, Amen
Questions: Have you recognized God’s working hand in your life? Has God turned something bad into something good for you?
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