As I enter this season of Christmas, I knew I wanted to join with Bonnie Gray of Faith Barista for One Word Advent. Today we are linking up to write on the word HOPE.
Because He lives I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives all fear is gone.
Because I know, I know He holds the future.
And life is worth the living just because He lives.
(Because He Lives by Bill Gaither)
I emphasized the words I know because that is the hope I hold deeply in my heart. It is not a worldly hope like "I hope I win the lottery". It is a hope based on the Word of God.
I can tell you from personal experience that God is trustworthy and faithful.
I've had moments in my life when I didn't know what I was going to do and how I was going to get through some very challenging times. He has sustained me and given me His strength. When I lost all material possessions, I learned to place my HOPE in Him. People can let you down but God never will. I came to realize that He has a plan for my life and His plans are always good.
If I could only have one prayer answered in my life, it would be that my loved ones would know Jesus in a personal relationship and walk with Him. This has been an ongoing prayer of mine as our family expands with new babies.
Over Thanksgiving I flew to Florida to spend time with family. My dad is going to turn 87 years old on his next birthday and he faces some health challenges. I wanted to spend time with him. I also wanted to see my brother and sister and their families. Although I was unable to have children, I have nieces and nephews who are now married and starting their own families. What a joy to hold their little ones in my arms.
I was delighted to learn that my niece and her husband have found a church. Their children are attending Sunday School! I asked little Kenzie what she learns in Sunday School. She told me about the crafts and the songs. I asked her if they teach her about Jesus. She looked up at me very innocently and said, "Jesus is God".
Praise God who answers prayer. I can have HOPE.
No matter where I am or what I'm doing, I always want to be able to share that hope with others.
Although I don't work in a Christian school, I pray that I would be a light to point others to Jesus. I pray that others would realize where I place my hope. I want to always live out 1 Peter 3:15.
How thankful I am that God sent Jesus into this world to save us. He gave us free will but He also gave us the way to have peace with God. I have received this free gift of life and so I can live with HOPE.
So I have a question for you.
If you could have only one prayer answered in this life, what would it be?
Thank you for this Piper quote! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteOh, my, that is quite a question. Right away I thought about healing for my body....and then felt selfish that that came first. Then I thought of my family and their needs.....and again it felt kind of small. I think, if I had one prayer request that would be answered in the way I would like it to be answered it would be a prayer for people to know Jesus. Enjoy the season!
ReplyDeleteI am doing John Piper's book of Advent this month and what a blessing it is. He is such a great author and man of God. My prayer would be that our nation turn it's face towards God and that healing begin. Christmas blessings
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