For a long time, hope wasn't something that I put in Christ. I didn't ever fully understand how much hope he gives us. I just saw hope as a desire to put in whatever to get what I wanted. It wasn't a God-thing for me. It just was there.
As I watch the world, it dawns on me more and more how hopeless people truly are. They won't admit it if you ask, they won't even think of it as one of their secrets. Honestly, I don't even think it'll enter their minds if they're having a good day. And yet, each person that doesn't know the hope of Jesus, endures that hopelessness every day of their life. Because if this earth is all that we're living for, there is no reason to have hope.
Fortunately, our hope is not in the world. It doesn't lie in people, it doesn't lie in the things we do or how we are or what we are. Our only cause for hope is Christ.
I trust in you;
do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
No one who hopes in you
will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those
who are treacherous without cause.
Psalm 25:2-3
The promise that God gives us is hopeful. Full of something this world cannot offer. The hope that we can take comfort in is the same hope that God has to give.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
Hope is defined as a "confident desire." When our hope is in Christ it is true hope because our God is bigger than everything else. He is the one orchestrating the universe. That desire can only be filled by Him. It is one of the only things to live in. God says, "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love." [1 Corinthians 13:13a]
The confident desire that we have that things will turn out okay, is something that WILL happen; but only, when our hope is in Christ.
Where does your hope lie? Is it in Him? Because if it isn't, it's futile.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Inspiration
What is it that truly inspires you?
Is it a beautiful sunset? An encouraging word? A deep thought? A well written book?
Inspiration can come from anything. But to me, inspiration comes from those around you. I truly love watching people do what they are good at, essentially, what they are created to do. It's nothing short of a miracle to watch people succeed at something. Whether it's just knowing the right answer to a difficult question, making a superb tasting coffee, or dancing beautifully. Regardless of what it is, it's an inspiration to me. I love getting to see people do what they are good at, because they are good at it. They know that they can succeed and that brings a sense of accomplishment. But what is even better, is watching someone do something great that they had no idea that they were good at. Especially when it is something that is beautiful. It blows my mind when I see people doing all these things that God intended them to do, and they don't have the faintest idea that He has intended them to do it.
My life purpose statement is "To love, encourage, and inspire people to Christ."
So how do you inspire people? How do you make them believe they can do anything in the world? How do you show them that they need to do what they have been created to do, even when they don't know what that is?!
Well, lets think about it. God has created us for a purpose. A very specific purpose. And we may not know what that is at this exact moment, but regardless, we should be willing to search for it.
To be honest, sometimes we're not inspired, and that is perfectly fine. You go through dry seasons, and in the end, you come out stronger than you were. Because you had to endure it. Yes, it might be hard, and sad, and maybe even a little frustrating. But it is worth it in the end, when you find out the reason for that dry season.
Is inspiration necessary? Absolutely not. Not to live, anyways. But is it helpful in motivating you to do what you love? Yes, most definitely.
So I encourage you, find out what inspires you, and do that so you will be pushed to do the things that you love. And, be an inspiration to those around you, because you just might, inspire someone to greatness.
Is it a beautiful sunset? An encouraging word? A deep thought? A well written book?
Inspiration can come from anything. But to me, inspiration comes from those around you. I truly love watching people do what they are good at, essentially, what they are created to do. It's nothing short of a miracle to watch people succeed at something. Whether it's just knowing the right answer to a difficult question, making a superb tasting coffee, or dancing beautifully. Regardless of what it is, it's an inspiration to me. I love getting to see people do what they are good at, because they are good at it. They know that they can succeed and that brings a sense of accomplishment. But what is even better, is watching someone do something great that they had no idea that they were good at. Especially when it is something that is beautiful. It blows my mind when I see people doing all these things that God intended them to do, and they don't have the faintest idea that He has intended them to do it.
My life purpose statement is "To love, encourage, and inspire people to Christ."
So how do you inspire people? How do you make them believe they can do anything in the world? How do you show them that they need to do what they have been created to do, even when they don't know what that is?!
Well, lets think about it. God has created us for a purpose. A very specific purpose. And we may not know what that is at this exact moment, but regardless, we should be willing to search for it.
To be honest, sometimes we're not inspired, and that is perfectly fine. You go through dry seasons, and in the end, you come out stronger than you were. Because you had to endure it. Yes, it might be hard, and sad, and maybe even a little frustrating. But it is worth it in the end, when you find out the reason for that dry season.
Is inspiration necessary? Absolutely not. Not to live, anyways. But is it helpful in motivating you to do what you love? Yes, most definitely.
So I encourage you, find out what inspires you, and do that so you will be pushed to do the things that you love. And, be an inspiration to those around you, because you just might, inspire someone to greatness.
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