Hope Victorious

  We have become accustomed to process.  Healing, growth, change; these things take time.  Progress is made step-by-step. We are taught to celebrate progress, not wait for completion or perfection. When we are overwhelmed by how much remains to be accomplished or changed, we are encouraged by looking aback on how far we have come. Transformation, restoration, redemption; all of these are processes, they take time. Scripture is full of promise and encouragement for process. But process is not the only way changes are realized.  There are “suddenlies” in scripture too! There are times when God brought about dramatic change in a moment of time, when Jesus healed or delivered in an instant. This is one of the many places where there is tension in scripture. There are ideas, values and truths that seem to be in contradiction. Consider the tension between these verses: For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day...

I stir up the flames of my faith Burn bright and hot again      All things are possible with you      Your power is enough      Unmatched and endless I invite the wind of truth to blow Ignite the embers – bring back the flames of fire           You are faithful           Your goodness shines           Your kindness knows no end On this fire of my faith I heap my sorrow and disappointments           I believed that you would heal her - But instead you called her home           The addict is still bound in chains           Childless couples long for babies born           The tumor stubbornly remains           Chronic pain that won’t back down I believed that you would intervene – change the outcome by your na...

You are gaining ground. Your choices are paying off and you are gaining momentum. The borders of your victory are increasing on all sides. You are gaining ground! Truth is a light shining in the darkness. Unintimidated and pushing back the border of darkness, light is ever-increasing. Darkness is extinguished, the landscape is changed. Light defines the darkness, not the other way around. Light expands, fills the dark places, causing the shadows to flee. Light conquers, no trace of darkness remaining. Hope is a similar force. You access hope in the midst of despair and transformation begins. Hope is hungry, expanding its borders as it overwhelms the sorrow, questions, and fears. Hope brings the color and light of possibility and promise. Hope is changing the landscape of your life and you are gaining ground. Faith too is like a fire, lit in an open field. It grows, expands, consuming the doubt and uncertainty that has grown wild. The intensity of faith increases as it burns. Bein...

When mistakes and weaknesses are hidden, they attract shame. Over time this shame creeps into our identity and we begin know ourselves by our weaknesses and failings. When questions or doubts remain hidden, they increase and erode our faith because we strive for understanding and answers, looking to ourself and our own abilities. Finding ourselves lacking, our inadequacy often propels us to withdraw and hide even more.   Shame increases, as does striving – a cycle that takes us further and further away from Jesus as our source. Is it any wonder that we feel alone, unequipped and overwhelmed.   Accused by shame of our own guilt and helplessness, we are desperate to gain approval through performance. All the while Jesus is there, His hand extended, an offer of help.   All things are possible, all resources available and willingly offered. He has already said yes, we are pre-approved, our acceptance was guaranteed in advance. It takes turning toward Him, not away ...