During May we’re focusing on hope in God. Each of the posts published this month will be about the author’s experiences hoping in God. Please see the Prayer page to read our strategic prayer request for this month and to see how we, as a branch, are hoping in God.
By Lindy Pate
Hope. Hope is such a fragile thing.
In the Old Testament, hope is often a last ditch effort. Hope deferred makes the heart sick. People are a vain thing to hope in. I can relate to all this. You see I’m in a season of waiting. I’m waiting to learn a language. I’m waiting in a season of waiting that seems to have no end. I’m in a season of deferring dreams and being disappointed by people, my heart is indeed sick. How long oh Lord?
But the New Testament provides a different perspective on hope. The work of Jesus Christ ensures that whatever happens in this world there are good things coming to those who belong to Jesus. This promise of things to come is described as an anchor for the soul. We take hold of the hope that has taken hold of us.
I may not know what my role in ministry is. I may not know what language I will learn or when. I may not know where I will live next. I sure don’t know where I will be in 5 years. But one thing I do know. Because of Christ I have a sure hope in eternity. That is my anchor.
I’ve been trying to grow things while I’m in Dallas. Watching seedlings grow is growing something in me. I’m amazed by the tender persistent growth of plants. Regardless of the bugs or blight, new leaves keep pushing upward, seemingly from nowhere. They slowly unfold their delicate yellow-green surface and find the light. I hope my hope can be like that.
