Romans 15:13 "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace and
believing, that ye may abound in hope.
A while back a young couple flying over the western mountains in the middle of the winter were forced down by a storm in an uninhibited area. They were not hurt, but they had no idea where they were.
They tried radio communication but that didn't work so the young man
decided to go for help. He covered his companion up with blankets and
placed what food they had, which was a box of cookies, within her
reach, then he struck out on foot through the deep snow.
Three days later he found help and it took two more days before the
rescue party could reach the stranded plane. To their surprise, the
young woman was alive, and in good spirits.
As she recuperated in the hospital from her ordeal, she said she never
gave up hope. She knew help would come.
The doctor later made the statement that the girl's remarkable survival and rapid recovery was due as much to her courage and trust as to her physical vigor. Hope and courage brought her through.
As Christians our faith lies securely on the promises of God, and our
hope rests on our faith in Him. For us, there is a silver lining to
every cloud, and a patch of blue sky beyond the blackest night.
I like this quote from Floyd Rittenhouse, "We all need hope because it
is the inspiration of the soul. Hope is the light that leads us on,
the lively anticipation of things to come. Faith fills us with peace
and joy, which overflow in hope. Faith, enlivens expectations from
God's Word, and spreads their bright hues on her pallet. With a few,
deft dashes of her brush, she delineates, unfailing, unfading hope.
Faith, energizes, hope and does her finest work, until the walls of
the soul become replete with radiant frescoes. Like any light, hope
may fade or flicker at times, and may even grow dim,but we can add
fuel to the fire by daily surrender to God, asking for a new infilling
of His Spirit. When the presence of Christ is welcomed in it will keep
the light of hope burning forever in our hearts."
The God of all hope is with us. Amen. Mizpah