what about that youthful sense of optimism that was shattered by the real world decades ago? can any portion of that be recaptured or must we be doom-and-gloom people, smart pessimists, like one guy said?
well, when JESUS matured into a man and began HIS three-year teaching ministry, one of HIS favorite themes was the theme of optimism. HE had many variations on that theme. remember some of them?
HE would say, “those of you who have felt like you've lived in last place in this life, cheer up. I'll make sure you live in first place in the next. those of you who have lived humbly in this life, have hope. i’m going to exalt you in the next. those of you who have given of yourselves and your resources to others, some day you're going to be richly rewarded for having done so. those of you who have been treated unjustly in this life, hold on. MY FATHER will treat you justly someday. those of you who are mourning, don't despair. I’m going to comfort you soon. those of you who have suffered for kingdom causes, you're going to be honored someday. those of you who have shown compassion to the poor and downtrodden, don't worry. someday you will be richly compensated.”
can you feel the message of optimism coming through the words of JESUS? sometimes JESUS would sense the dark clouds of despair hovering over the heads of HIS followers, and HE would just gather them around himself and HE'd look them in the eyes and HE would say with great intensity: “with MY FATHER, all things are possible, so get a grip. all things are possible.”
GOD is bigger than any problem you have. HE is stronger than any force that's facing you now, and HE's standing by willing and eager to apply HIS power to your situation and, need i remind you, you belong to HIM. you're safe in HIS care. with HIS power, you can look into the future with a sense of optimism. you can move forward into your future with faith and not fear.
just a thought from the front porch…
No comments:
Post a Comment