Romans 5:1-5,  Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  And not only that but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.  Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

I don’t know of anyone who seeks “tribulation” in life, you don’t have to, it just seems to hunt you down.  As long as we live on this earth we will have troubles, the Bible tells us that.  So, what do you do when it comes?  Most struggles bring a full range of emotions out of all of us, everything from hurt to anger to despair, to defeat and absolute frustration there’s just no telling what may run you over if you are caught off guard and sometimes even if you see it coming.  These verses tell us though, that we can have peace and hope in any situation and His desire is to help us grow through it as well.  So, no matter how you have reacted so far take it to Him and ask Him to help.

God wants you to be full of His hope and peace so others will see Him.  That is not always easy if you are trying to do it in your own strength.  That is probably one of the toughest lessons to learn.  It is when we hand it all over to God and take our hands off the end results and say, “do what only you can do and what you feel is best Lord,” that we will find His strength, peace, and hope.  I have been re-reading an old book I have by Barbara Johnson titled, “So, Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy!”  She faced several devastating situations in her life including the death of two of her sons and God brought ministries out of all of the pain and heartaches and frustrations she faced because she got to the point where she learned to just say, “whatever Lord”.  She didn’t say it with the attitude of today’s “whatever” she was saying it with that attitude of I can’t do this so whatever you decide, whatever you choose to do, I am ok.  She got to that point one day when she was ready to take her own life.  Don’t wait until you are that full of despair.  God wants to use your story just as He did hers and so many others.  He sees and He cares and He knows more about your situation than you do.  He won’t force His way into your situations, but He would sure like to help.  He would like to give you hope again and His peace for it all.  Once again, have you written down Jeremiah 29:11-13,  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”  Is that what you want today for whatever you are dealing with?  It doesn’t have to be something big.  God wants to be there for it all!  He loves you!

Don’t just be a character, it is time for Christians to develop character so the rest of the world will see Jesus in us.  It needs to desperately matter to us that there are so many people who are lost and need Jesus in their lives.  They are living without hope and we have hope to share.  

God wants to do life with you.  He cares about every single detail and He wants to teach you through the good, the bad, and the ugly so take it all to Him.  Learn to talk with Him like He is your best friend.  You are never alone!  Ever!  Take it to Him and trust Him and you will find His best is only found in HIs plan so don’t waste another day, give it all to Him today!  

Quote:  “Hope never dies where faith is strong, and faith grows strong in the presence of hope.”  ~ Chad Whitmeyer