God's Sustaining Hope

Hope seldom excludes fear, anxiety and worry. Yet hope gives assurance to press on even when it’s necessary to hold other emotions in check. When Jacob made peace with his father-in-law, he immediately had to prepare to meet his brother Esau. These meetings proved to be a turning point in his life.

The night before Jacob was to meet the brother, it wasn't just his brother he had the face; he had to face God and himself. To think of facing God is an awesome thought. Jacob had to do business with God, who held his destiny in his hands. Whatever Jacob had done could not be hidden from the Lord God.

Jacob was fearful and worried about meeting his brother, but his hope lay in the power of God to deliver him. Listen as he reminds God. "You, O God, promised, 'I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea.'" Hope in God's unfailing promises will sustain all who believe, even in life’s worst crises.

Milestones: Turn Obstructions into Opportunities - Part 2

Parents have the privilege of observing their infant reach milestones when he or she begins to sit alone, crawl, pull up, and take that unassisted first step. They will fall down, collect bumps and bruises, but still there is great delight when observing children make these advancements.

When an adolescent graduates from high school or perhaps college and finds a job, parents rejoice and celebrate. How about getting married and becoming a parent? Milestones are indicative of a turning point from which there is no turning back. These high points indicate growth and maturity as well as commitment to accept higher levels of responsibility.

Jesus reached a significant milestone as he submitted to being baptized when he was about thirty years old. No longer was he just a carpenter or the son of Mary and Joseph. The Holy Spirit announced he was indeed the Son of God, whose objective was to be the Messiah and Savior of all mankind. Milestones are indicators of change and purpose, so be alert to choose God's purpose as you reach these benchmarks.  

Turning Points for New Beginnings - Part 3

My dad sometimes reminisced over opportunities he had let slip away. He wasn't much of a risk-taker, but in a real crunch he would muster up the courage to do what was necessary. When he needed a good job to support his family, his brother who worked at an aircraft plant told him about an available job. All he had to do was apply and the job was his.

Taking this job was a turning point for him. Turning points are those moments in time when change and decision-making are required but may be accompanied by anxiety or fear. However, these feelings can be thought of as part of significant decisions and required changes. Facing down these feelings is possible by believing God is always at work for your good.

Insight helps you see possibilities for starting over or changing directions. What gives power to insight is trust and faith in God's unfailing love for you. His desire is to help you through the turning points of life. Yes, God put his claim on your life but will never take possession without your permission.  

Turning Points for New Beginnings - Part 2

Turning points are moments in time when an opportunity is presented for making a significant change. Directional change may not be a turn toward good, but toward sin or evil. Everyone has made wrong choices. Jonah was directed by God to go to Nineveh to preach God’s message of repentance, but turned his back on God and headed out in the opposite direction.

Under duress, Jonah changed his mind and reluctantly followed God's calling. Do you remember how the story ends? Nineveh repents and is saved from destruction, but Jonah becomes so angry and depressed, he wants to die. The story ends with Jonah’s refusal to rejoice in the great miracle God provided.

Insight, which God furnishes through the Holy Spirit, his word, and any circumstance or experience he chooses to employ, gives you light so you can see clearly where he’s leading. God provides faith and motivation for pursuing his purposes for your life. Isn't God good? He turns defeat into victory, and victory into a higher purpose for living.

Turning Points for New Beginnings - Part 1

My grandfather was a restless soul who periodically would sell his farming equipment and seek out new exploits. He believed strongly in new beginnings. Starting over for him was more than a change of atmosphere. His expectations for a better life were highlighted by faith in God to give him a meaningful purpose for his existence.

John Wesley, founder of the Methodist church, served as a missionary in Georgia from 1735 to 1738. His purpose was to convert the Indians and save his own soul. Returning to England as a failure, he received Christ Jesus by faith on May 24, 1738. His purpose for life was changed. He preached salvation by faith in Jesus Christ for the next fifty years.

This example of a new beginning illustrates God’s desire for everyone. God provided John Wesley with a lifeline to insight, the ability to see God’s truth, which enabled Wesley to rise up from failure and despair to find purpose that endured for a lifetime. Could this be what God has placed before you at this very moment?