HOPE - Holding On, Praying Expectantly

The following is an extract from John Maxwell's "Think on these Things - Meditation for leaders".

Many men and women become bitter toward life because of the unfortunate circumstances in which they find themselves. Many quit. Others have taken their own lives. What makes a difference in the outcome? Talent? No! The only difference between those who threw in the towel and quit and those who used their energy to rebuild and kept going is found in the word "hope".

What does hope do for humanity?

Hope shines brightest when the hour is darkest.
Hope motivates when discouragement comes.
Hope energizez when the body is tired.
Hope sweetens while the bitterness bites.
Hope sings when all melodies are gone.
Hope believes when the evidence is eliminated.
Hope listens for answers when no one is talking.
Hope climbs over obstacles when no one is helping.
Hope endures hardship when no one is caring.
Hope smiles confidently when no one is laughing.
Hope reaches for answers when no one is asking.
Hope presses toward victory when no one is encouraging.
Hope dares to give when no one is sharing.
Hope brings the victory when no one is winning.

There's nothing to do but bury a person when his or her hopes are gone. Losing hope usually precedes loss of life itself. You don't need a better environment - you just need more hope. It's the one thing in your life you can't do without!

My prayer for myself and for you my friends, is that no matter the size of the hope that is within us at this moment of our lives, God will cause it to grow instead of becoming diminished.

God's limitless love, grace and power...

He Giveth More Grace

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater;
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase.
To added affliction He added His mercy;
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father's full giving is only begun.

Refrain:
His love has no limit;
His grace has no measure.
His power has no boundary known unto men.
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!

We all face our individual and perhaps unique challenges in life. During such times, we may often feel downcast, depressed or even disllusioned. Often our burdens are too much for us to carry alone. Often times, even friends may not be able to share that load with us. In moments like these, may we be reminded of and assured by God's great love, grace and power. God will meet us at our point of need. May He give us eyes to see His loving and giving hands.