And Hope Does Not Disappoint You...
Posted by Ray Norris on 14 June, 2010
Category General
We humans are a strange breed. We are by nature stubborn and tend to rely first on our own strength and resources. When I served in the western part of Nebraska, I called that a rancher ethic. Ranchers are strong, determined, hard working and independent for the most part. Before anyone comments on that statement, please know that I mean it in the best possible way. Ranchers are used to seeing new life enter the world during calving season. Calving is a critical step forward for a productive year. But the rancher is also no stranger to death. Not every cow survives giving birth to her calf. Sometimes the rancher is required to "put the animal down." The rancher knows that time is critical, especially when the cows decide to give birth during a snow storm.
Like the rancher, you and I are often no stranger to suffering. Yet, for some reason we often put off that treatment which could eliminate at least a portion of the suffering. Why do we do that? Why do I do that? Is it because I don't want to bother God until I really need to? Is it because I am afraid it is too big for God to handle? Perhaps I am afraid God won't help me. For whatever reason, I and many of you, try to go it alone. That seldom works.
First, God does care! That we must understand. Second, God is never too busy for us. Thirdly, sometimes the answer from God is not what we had wanted but it is always the right answer. We humans are built and designed to live forever, but not in the original body. I am going to venture a guess that there is not one person reading this that has not suffered in this lifetime. There is, however, good news. This lifetime is not the end, rather only the beginning. This body wears out and is often filled with pain and suffering. The good news is that it is only temporary. In his letter to the Romans, Paul writes in 5:6 "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly." Because He suffered he understands our suffering. Paul also wrote in the preceding verses, "suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us..." And why is that? It is because, "God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."
When I was a volunteer track coach working with middle distance and distance runners, I told the young athletes that if they wanted to get to State I would get them there but they had to do what I asked of them. For the first month or so I would often detect a bit of anger directed my way. And sometimes a young person would drop out of the distance program for something else. But for those who stayed, the suffering turned to perseverance which helped develop their character. Finally they developed a sense of hope as they could see their chances of winning district and advancing to state increase. They also knew that I was ALWAYS there for them.
My friends in Christ. You and I and our loved ones will suffer in this life. There is nothing anyone can do to prevent that. But at the end of it all there is hope and that hope NEVER disappoints us. Hang in their. Let's hold each other, let's cry together, let's lean on God together (even when we may be angry at Him), and let's always hope together. God is there for you and for me and for those we love and care about. God is there for all of God's children! Even those who don't know him very well. I may disappoint you, but God never will. Call upon His name.
Pastor Ray
Like the rancher, you and I are often no stranger to suffering. Yet, for some reason we often put off that treatment which could eliminate at least a portion of the suffering. Why do we do that? Why do I do that? Is it because I don't want to bother God until I really need to? Is it because I am afraid it is too big for God to handle? Perhaps I am afraid God won't help me. For whatever reason, I and many of you, try to go it alone. That seldom works.
First, God does care! That we must understand. Second, God is never too busy for us. Thirdly, sometimes the answer from God is not what we had wanted but it is always the right answer. We humans are built and designed to live forever, but not in the original body. I am going to venture a guess that there is not one person reading this that has not suffered in this lifetime. There is, however, good news. This lifetime is not the end, rather only the beginning. This body wears out and is often filled with pain and suffering. The good news is that it is only temporary. In his letter to the Romans, Paul writes in 5:6 "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly." Because He suffered he understands our suffering. Paul also wrote in the preceding verses, "suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us..." And why is that? It is because, "God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."
When I was a volunteer track coach working with middle distance and distance runners, I told the young athletes that if they wanted to get to State I would get them there but they had to do what I asked of them. For the first month or so I would often detect a bit of anger directed my way. And sometimes a young person would drop out of the distance program for something else. But for those who stayed, the suffering turned to perseverance which helped develop their character. Finally they developed a sense of hope as they could see their chances of winning district and advancing to state increase. They also knew that I was ALWAYS there for them.
My friends in Christ. You and I and our loved ones will suffer in this life. There is nothing anyone can do to prevent that. But at the end of it all there is hope and that hope NEVER disappoints us. Hang in their. Let's hold each other, let's cry together, let's lean on God together (even when we may be angry at Him), and let's always hope together. God is there for you and for me and for those we love and care about. God is there for all of God's children! Even those who don't know him very well. I may disappoint you, but God never will. Call upon His name.
Pastor Ray