Hope

"Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12

     Hope inspires ordinary people to live extraordinary lives. It is one of those four letter words that transforms lives and changes the world. As long as there is life, there is hope. A hopeful outlook can influence the most dismal of circumstances. Hope perseveres against the odds.

     What do you hope for? Most people hope for peace, not war. Universally we hope for a better world, a better life and a better future for our children and ourselves. When suffering, we hope for relief from pain, fear, poverty, hunger and disease. The oppressed and victimized hope for justice and protection when faced with gross evil, terror, death and destruction.

     As a convinced Christian, I believe God's hope does more than merely comfort us. Divine hope empowers us to live compassionate and active lives in the face of injustice and suffering. Such hope equips us to make a significant difference in our world.

     Sacred hope blesses us with needed courage to face an uncertain future, and confidence for eternity. No matter how dark the moment, hope in God helps us see the light at the end of the tunnel. Human beings need hope or die. You must keep hope alive in order to survive and overcome the many problems in Zimbabwe. Never, never, never give up your hope. Hope in the sun even when it is not shining. Be hopeful in love, even when not feeling it. Hope in God, even when God seems silent. Do these things and your life will overflow with hope.

     Whatever your situation, cling to today's Bible verse and joyfully hope in God. Persevere in suffering. Pray constantly. In doing so, you will experience God's joy and peace. As a result, you will become a source of hope for those in despair. With God's help, your hope will save many lives.

     Prayer: O God, you alone are the source of our hope. When faced with despair, help us be hopeful. When experiencing suffering, uncertainties and danger, bless us with enduring and joyful hope. Energize our prayers with persevering hope in all situations. Amen.

Written by Rev. Dr. Sandy Bochonok
http://soulfoodministry.org
July 3, 2002
Permission is given to freely distribute and share this reflection with the people of Zimbabwe.