The Power of Hope

Thursday 10-20-2016  Martínez, Argentina

Today we read: Job 6 – 8 and Acts 12

S.  Job 6:10-11 At least I can take comfort in this: Despite the pain, I have not denied the words of the Holy One. But I do not have the strength to endure. I do not have a goal that encourages me to carry on. NLT

O.  Job is a man without a goal to strive for.  He cannot stir even a little hope. He has lost his wealth, his family and his health. He cannot see any future chance of relief. Hopelessness is a tunnel without an end. In itself it is worse than the pain of sickness. Job prays for death to give him relief from his misery. If only he could have seen the end of the story, he could have had a goal.  He would have known that the Lord would bring him health, wealth, family and joy again… that glimmer of hope could have held him steady through his extended trial.

A.  Do God’s people ever experience hopelessness? Unfortunately, we sometimes do, but only if we take our eyes off of our goal. In sickness, as in health, our future will not change. We can be sure that our salvation is just ahead. The years pass quickly and Jesus is waiting for us with open arms at the end of the tunnel.  May He help me to keep running toward the goal even when the enemy brings discouragement.

Heb 10:23-25 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching. NIV

P.  Lord Jesus, there in Hebrews You have given me the key to maintaining and strengthening my hope?  By frequently meeting together with fellow believers and participating in the joy of encouraging one another.  Job’s ‘comforters’ said many true things to this discouraged brother, but they mostly were words filled with condemnation and harshness.  So, Lord, when we get together, please help me to be a true encouragement to someone who has lost hope.  Amen.

Ralph