Hope for Today

Recently our church family was presented with a Sunday morning message that opened my eyes to a new realization. The sermon was based on a passage from 1 Peter chapter 1.  I have read those verses many times, but that morning I saw them with fresh eyes. The speaker pointed out a word I had never taken notice of before. 

        3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

As a follower and believer in Jesus Christ, I have been “born again to a LIVING hope.” 

For years I looked forward to the hope that would be realized in the future.  I was encouraged, blessed and rested in the knowledge that Jesus loved me, died for me, and had forgiven me of my sins. I had the hope of an eternal home in heaven with Jesus my Saviour, and joy as I contemplated the future.  

Every Easter Sunday morning, I would be especially blessed as I would be reminded of the hope that one day I too would rise again to live with God in Heaven.  One day, God would take me from this sin-sick world. One day, there would be no more crying, sadness or sickness. One day, I would trade in this body that is growing older and weaker for a new one.

The speaker helped me realize that my hope is a LIVING hope for today.  I am not to waste any more time pining away, longing for God’s promises of my future in heaven, which will most certainly come to pass.  Instead I need to be aware of the opportunities God presents to me every day. Each day is a gift from Him to be used and lived for His glory.  I am to use today to share His message of hope. Living hope is an active hope, for me to share today and every day.

Inspired by Joel Zantingh