My Hope Is In You, Lord

Wednesday morning is Ellie's surgery and I'm trying to keep myself from the anxiety and worry that are lurking around the next corner. It won't be easy to watch them wheel her to surgery and away from us. But oh how thankful I am that it's just a tonsilectomy and nothing more serious. I know that even this minor surgery is a lesson to our family. A chance to pray, trust, and surrender knowing that He has it all under control. I am not worried. There are moments to come that I'm not looking forward to, but her pain will only last a few days/weeks. Like the struggles that come into our lives - they are temporary. And because of Jesus we have hope no matter what happens.

Our Pastor is starting a new sermon series on HOPE. When you think about the word "hope" in our culture it means maybe. But biblical hope is not maybe. Hebrews 11:1 says "faith is being sure of what we HOPE for and certain of what we do not see". Biblical hope means we can be certain! This hope gives us the endurance to withstand anything that comes our way.

"In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to HOPE in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory". EPHESIANS 1:11-12

This verse compliments ROMANS 8:28 where we are told that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him". We need to remember that God is good, that He works for our good, that He has a plan, a purpose, and a will for us. Our troubles and our sins have a purpose...to grow us, to teach us, to remind us that we need Him. "Good" is relative. In our pride we decide what is good and bad. We cannot always know why we are dealing with this or that. What we do know (and can see in these verses) is that God will work it out "for the praise of his glory." What is the "praise of his glory"? Well, it's kind of like God gets all the credit. When people share what God has done, the miracles, the redemption, the good, you cannot help but praise Him and thank Him for what He has done.

I am certain that God loves Ellie more than Adam or I can. I am certain that He will be present on Wednesday morning. Thank you God for the HOPE (no matter what happens) we have because of Jesus!



A REPOST FROM THE ARCHIVES!