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The Blessing of Hope



            Maybe I am a bit of a control freak, but I do not like uncertainty in my life.  I want to know what is coming.  Waiting for situations to resolve themselves usually just gives me more time to imagine the worst outcomes.
   Maybe that is why I like the words of the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk.  He said,  “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength” (3:17-18).
            Though nothing looks right and all is seemingly lost, Habakkuk is still hopeful because he believes that God is in charge and is doing something even if he does not see or understand it.  He does not let his "visible circumstances" overcome his "unseen strength".  
            Too often, I want proof that things will be ok, but faith actually requires that we believe in spite of what we see.  As Hebrews 11:1 points out, "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see".
It is easy to look at our world and become scared, fearful and discouraged.  However, it is just as easy to believe that God is in control and that he will bring something good out of our current situation.
I do not know about you, but I want to stand on the side of hope!
“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).

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