Door of Hope

Yesterday morning as I was sitting with my coffee and watching the sun rise, I was suddenly filled with Hope. It was so much more than a sense of well-being. I was encouraged, strengthened, filled with joy. I felt that someone must be praying for me right at that moment. Then Jesus whispered gently to my heart, “I love you, and I am here.” I felt a little sheepish that my first thought had been that someone else was praying, although I am still sure that is the case. In the end, Jesus had to declare Himself. But isn’t that His way? He is so willing to make Himself known.

He emptied Himself of glory and position, and He came. He was born to die for the sins of the world. He laid down His life so that you and I could be adopted into His family. He chose us and gave Himself for us. He was willing to die alone so that we could be together with Him in glory.

And the best news of all: He rose again! He lives today. His victory is one we can live in, if we believe Him, and His life is our eternal hope. His cross is our door of hope. It stands open even today. And His resurrection life is the power that enables us to obey. I don’t obey Him because I’m a good and worthy servant. I obey Him because He loves me enough to teach me obedience, and to work His obedience into me. Hebrews 5:8 says, “Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered.” (NASB)

Have you learned obedience from the things you have suffered? Have you embraced your lot (your circumstances, your challenging relationships) as being sifted through the hands of your good Father? Can you say with the Psalmist, “the lines for me have fallen in pleasant places.”? Is your hope in Christ alone?

Psalm 16:5-11 (NASB)

The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
You support my lot.
The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.

I will bless the Lord who has counseled me;
Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.
I have set the Lord continually before me;
Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will dwell securely.
For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol;
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.
You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

Until next week, dear ones, live in the victory of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.