When Hope Is Fragile

Hope for a new beginning revives the heart and spirit because it fires up hope for the future. When the economy slows down it's difficult to remain optimistic, but when signs of recovery surface, a revival of hope can follow suit. Revival indicates the emergence of new energy that displaces an attitude of complacency.

An attitude of complacency prevailed among the Hebrew slaves until Moses brought them a message of hope for freedom. Their hearts were revived, but hope remained fragile. Being too optimistic can be hazardous if it prevents preparation for obstacles. Fantasies about the future can crash against reality.

The Hebrew slaves vacillated between hope and fear as they were confronted with obstacles. Moses, however, remained hopeful, for he had witnessed the determination of the Lord God to free His people. Moses believed God was the only source for deliverance. Fear and doubt lose their power as you keep your eyes fixed on Christ Jesus.

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[Let us have] our eyes fixed on Jesus, the source and the goal of our faith. For he himself endured a cross and thought nothing of its shame because of the joy he knew would follow his suffering; and he is now seated at the right hand of God’s throne. Think constantly of him enduring all that sinful men could say against him, and you will not lose your purpose or your courage.  

~Hebrews 12:2-3 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

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Like It or Not, Change Will Come - Part 2

At every stage of life, change is imminent. Change opposes complacency or the status quo, but we're often hesitant to make even small changes. We know and understand that change is needed, even desired, yet anxiety creates opposition because of the uncertainty of not knowing exactly what lies ahead.

Benjamin Cardozon said of the judicial process, “Nothing is stable or absolute. Everything is fluid and changeable. Evolving or becoming is never finished.” When we’re forced to think about life, we would agree. When everything is on the line and we’re forced to accept change, there is a strange hesitance to move forward and accept what life offers.

In Malachi 3:6 God issues a warning and a promise: “I the Lord do not change.” God challenged his people to return to him and he would return to them. Returning and trusting God gives assurance to insecure people facing continuous challenges. Jesus promised us, “Look, I will be with you always.” You can trust his promise.  

Like It or Not, Change Will Come - Part 1

One enemy of decision-making is complacency, a quiet contentment or satisfaction with what life has presented. A very wise thinker who lived four hundred years before Christ wrote, “We know what needs to be done, we understand it clearly, but we can’t bring it to fruition.” This attitude gets disguised in excuses that negate empowerment.

I had a conversation with a person who recently changed careers. After earning a Master’s degree, she left where she’d worked since graduating from college. Where did her empowerment come from? Her faith included trusting God’s guidance and provision for the resources to step out of complacency and accept the challenge God made available.

Remember the woman who believed if she could just touch the hem of Jesus’ outer garment, she would be healed? She refused to stay home and suffer hopelessly in silence. Instead she searched for healing and found it. Jesus said Thomas, “Be not faithless but believing.” This is an essential empowerment for change and a contented life.