Hope at the Foot of the Cross
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
(Romans 15:13 ESV)
As I was leaving my favorite coffee shop this morning, my eyes caught the head-line of the NY Times. I was so sad to read that yet another student opened fired on his peers…
As I was driving to work, my mind kept going back to the headline and the image of crying teenagers on the front page. I do not understand why these type of things keep happening. I read a little about the story on NY Times’ website to search for the reason. Reading about the teenage shooter, I understand the reasoning even less. Only one question comes to mind: Is there no hope left in this world?
Sadly, in today’s age of “reasoning”, many have turned away from believing that Christ died for them and their sins. Even thought Jesus was God, He was also human. He completely understood the struggles we face this side of heaven.
Jesus’ human side experienced hunger, disappointments, loneliness. Because of Jesus’ human side, I have hope. A hope that will see me through the day-to-day struggles. Hope that tomorrow will be brighter than today.
Today I asked myself: how can I share the hope I have with those who seem to have no hope left; especially the younger generation? With all the media we have at our fingertips, we have lost the human touch. We have isolated ourselves to live a life behind a computer screen. We don’t share hope longer in person…
“…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…”
(1 Peter 3:15 ESV)
Will you join me today to be intentional about reaching out to someone in your life that seems to have lost all hope? To touch the hopeless with the Good News of Christ’s death and resurrection? Share the Good News of the Giver of Life?
I always like to share Scripture passages on an index card with my Christian co-workers. So why not write out a Scripture passage for someone who does not yet believe? It may get me in trouble with HR, but my action may give someone hope…
Lord of Heaven and Earth; guide us today to reach out with the Good News of Your never ending love. Bring us together with the people that have lost all hope and are searching to find peace. Give us the words to speak of hope and love that can be found at the foot of Your Cross. We are trusting in Your mercy. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
Amen my friend. May each one, reach one.
You know Iris, I have always thought about leaving those cute scripture cards with my tips or even some ‘tracks’ but financially I thought they were too expensive. I never, ever gave any thought to just using a plain index card!!!! What an awesome idea. I wouldn’t mind spending the money on them and just leaving them randomly around our campus…especially in the faculty lounge!!! Thanks for the great idea!
On another note, my heart breaks over teen violence. We discuss this in detail in one of my classes from many perspectives and the feeling of helplessness is great. This is where prayer comes in…along with that index card!!
What a sad situation this is! One of the women that I work with is from this town. She described it as a very peaceful, normal suburb. She would never have expected something like this to happen there.
So many young people spend so much time trying to be like celebrities and those who are famous.
I really believe that we adults need to be better role models for the youth. How do we spend our time? Mentoring is something that is so needed. There is a teen who worked with me at summer camp last year. She’s a senior now and we correspond but not as often as I like. I need to be active and intentional in reaching out to her before she goes off to college. Thanks for the nudge Iris.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
I have been noticing and marking the verses related to HOPE lately. With all that is going on it is a good time to share the hope we have, you are right.
God bless you.
Bethany
I remember watching the news with such horror and wondering myself what can I do to reach those who seem to have no hope. Thanks for the reminder that it doesn’t have to be a grand gesture but something as simple as an index card with a memory verse.
Great ecnouragement Iris! May we all live each day intentionally, the time is short to reach the lost, the hopeless, the hurting, the ones that we come across each and every day. May the Lord give us the power and the fortitude to step out.