Hope for 2014

Maybe you’re like me and have good intentions and plans for 2014, but discover that following through is another thing or that there are some things we can’t change no matter how hard we try. Some of us have regrets about this past year. Some have nightmares of what has happened or what might happen.

Some have day-mares, the reality that this world is really screwed up and things in their life are actually bad. What do you do? Run? Find a way of escape? Or endure?

As we face a new year of unchartered waters it is quite tempting to once again make a list of well-intentioned resolutions and goals, many of which are soon broken. We can resolve to change bad habits and replace them with better ones, but ultimately trying harder is not the answer.

While we may have a general idea of what to expect, we cannot be certain. The wisest cannot tell us what we may encounter this new year. What new experiences, what changes shall come, what new needs shall arise? This past year some have experienced more ills than death at its worst can cause and they look forward to the Promised Land where there will finally be no more pain and no more tears.

Things may not improve for you in the way you desire, but God’s love will always be constant. This past year two friends of mine died. One lived for many months and the other died within six weeks of his diagnosis. Although many hoped and prayed for a different outcome death was inescapable. 

Regardless of where you might be today on the roller coaster of life your future can be better than your past or present. How’s that?  Even if your circumstances don’t change there is always hope in God’s love as seen in this story from the Samaritan’s Purse Fall 2013 Prayer Point.

Civil war has raged in Syria more than years. At first Saheed and his wife Farah were not affected by the war until there was gunfire in their neighborhood and friends were killed in their home town of Aleppo. After a bomb destroyed their home they fled rebel lines into Turkey where they have no rights, cannot work legally nor can their kids attend school.

As Christians in a predominantly Muslim region leaving Turkey for better opportunities in surrounding countries seems impossible. They struggle to survive day to day and do not know what the future holds for them, but they know that God is in control and His love will prevail.

Because of their hope and faith they believe that, “our suffering, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” I Corinthians 4:17
Saheed and his family also know where to place their hope, “…we rejoice in hope of the glory of God…Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts.” Romans 5:2, 5
This new year pursue all that God has for you and be grateful for the things He does provide. Your future has everything to do with how you respond to God this year. May these encouraging words of Jesus resonate with your heart throughout the entire year. 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  John 14:27