Then they led him away to crucify him.
Matthew 27:31
There are days when we find it difficult, if not impossible, to sustain hope. The day of Jesus' death was such a day. It was a day of despair for all who had put their hope in him. It was a day of unbearable grief for those who had been changed by his love. In such terrible moments hope disappears. Darkness seems to be all that remains. God seems absent.
It is, however, one of the most fundamental convictions of the Christian faith that, in those times when hope seems unattainable, God is at work. In that moment when even Jesus had a difficult time sustaining hope in God's redemptive purposes, God was fighting the decisive battle which would extend the rule of the Kingdom to all peoples. In that moment of terror, the foundations of reality were exposed and God was at work on the deep structures of the world. God could do work at that moment which would have been impossible during ordinary times.
Much the same is true of our moments of hopelessness. It is when hope grows weakest that our foundations are most exposed. It is when the struggle to sustain hope is most difficult that God can work on the deep structure of our persons. It is at those times that God can reach the unreachable crevices of our hearts and work on regions where fear and despair seem to reign.
It is a terrible thing to lose hope. But all is not lost. Though we lose hope, God is still at work. It may be that during our season of hopelessness God will extend the rule of the Kingdom of God into new regions of our lives.
In those times when I cannot hope, Lord,
help me to remember the work which
you accomplished during Jesus' hour of darkness.
Remind me, when I lose all hope,
that all hope is not gone
because you continue your work in me.
Extend the rule of your kingdom
into the deepest regions of my heart
where fear and despair have reigned for too long.
Amen
Copyright Dale and Juanita Ryan
Especially the following paragraph in this devotional hit me:
"Much the same is true of our moments of hopelessness. It is when hope grows weakest that our foundations are most exposed. It is when the struggle to sustain hope is most difficult that God can work on the deep structure of our persons. It is at those times that God can reach the unreachable crevices of our hearts and work on regions where fear and despair seem to reign."
Very painful when God works some times. Like surgery without anesthesia!
awwwwwww...i see we have all been up very late...no sleep for us either. what a wonderful message you have sent here in this post! just when we need to hear this...you are there. ty! hope is difficult for us...we will try.
ReplyDeletesafe hugs to you, sweetie.
A very thought provoking post, JBR, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI was watching King Arthur last night and I did not realize how devoted to God he was. But one phrase just struck my heart strings and it goes like this. Arthur is telling Lancalot that "It is not death that kills us, but the absents of hope." It does amaze me to think that all of us walk into some form of battle every day, Hope, direction and peace tagging on to us like armour. But the moment that we see an event that swipes are hope, we throw in the towel. This is it, hope is what we need to win and feel victory. Lay on your hope, stay on your hope, and most of all fight for your hope. Do not let the deceiver take that hope. God bless you and thanks for the post, awesome. Love Tanya
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this post. I like when you said "It is, however, one of the most fundamental convictions of the Christian faith that, in those times when hope seems unattainable, God is at work." When all hope seems lost, that is when we need someone (or a post!) to remind us that God is working.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting on my blog, and for the words of encouragment. God bless you!
Rainbow, glad this devotional touched all your hearts.
ReplyDeleteTanya, thank you for taking the time to share on King Arthur's comment to Sir Lancalot. Your words are full of wisdom dear.
Jerralea, thank you for the visit, and sharing what this post meant to you. Blessings!
AD, yes, too thought provoking at times! :)
I got so involved leaving a comment on what's-her-name..."Rainbow", that I plumb forgot where I was (on blogs!)--now, what was the topic HERE?
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, when hope seems to be fading--I have to 1. help someone--anyone! 2. meditate on what you wrote. 3. Don't take myself too seriously Rule #162 or 163, I forgot!
Bless you, JBR!
Steve E.
we cant even get tehre about Jesus death or life itsa a huge struggle for us thanks for writing this
ReplyDeleteI like your last few posts. Especially the one about being right here, right now. That "being present" awareness is something I've been working on.
ReplyDeleteJust to let you know, I put up a link to you on my sidebar. Hope that's okay. I find that I can get around and visit more regularly if folks are on there.
Hi again
ReplyDeleteIn my experience huge difficulties precede huge break throughs - spiritually, emotionally, physically.
This time last year I was in a psychiatric ward for 4 months. I had had enough of everything. I had no hope. I couldn't pray or read. I could hardly talk.
Many people prayed and I pleaded with my doctors to help me.
Anyway to cut a longish story short I came out of it really, really well. I then was able to write a novel and a play and commence study. I had, prior to this, not been able to do anything for about 7 years.
Even if you lose hope God doesn't and your Christian friends don't. Don't do it alone. We are not expected to do that.
God Bless
Amber
Thanks for visiting my blog, I have saved yours now, and will be back when I have more time.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day!
I am sorry that hope seems to far away from you. Wishing only the best for you.
ReplyDeleteWow. So thought provoking. We do lose hope sometimes and those are the times I seem to feel my Father's hands gently pick me up, and dust me off,and show me His love again. It is during these times that I really feel like God is real.
ReplyDeleteHey JBR!
ReplyDeleteYou've been tagged ;)