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.