The Grace of Hope

Joel 2:21, 23
Don’t be afraid, my people! Be glad now and rejoice
because the LORD has done great things.
Rejoice in the LORD your God! For the rains He sends
are an expression of His grace. (NLT)

I think I can speak for the multitudes of people around the world when I say that it is not hard for the world we live in to discourage and get us down, and that Christian people are certainly not immune to the hardships of living in a fallen world. I believe that when it comes to the perseverance of trials in this hard and difficult life, the most obvious difference between people who are Christians and those who are not is this: the Christian is filled with the Holy Spirit and has the only Hope for a better tomorrow, which is (in this day and time) a reason to truly rejoice. And the reason Christians world wide can rejoice and be glad, my friends, is because they can confidently live each and everyday relying on God’s unending grace; for they have learned that relying on the world’s view for hope is not only disappointing, but has devastating consequences as well.
When people begin to know and understand the Christian Faith, they start relying on God’s sovereignty (instead of their own abilities) to get them through the difficult choices that must be made, for they know and believe that He does great and amazing things for those who put their trust in Him. We live in a world of uncertainties that threaten us everyday of our lives, but this should not keep you discouraged and fearful, dear friends, because just as the rain God sends to sustains us, so do the everyday miracles of His gracious favor. By trusting and relying on the LORD our God, there is really no need to fear this world (Psalm 27:1) and what it can do to you, because no matter what your circumstances may be, the Lord’s grace will always be more than sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9), and nothing can ever separate you from His unconditional, abounding love (Romans 8:38-39).

Truth That Speaks To My Heart
Walk boldly with Me…my child, for when you do My Light will shine through the heavy darkness which surrounds you. Do not be afraid and live in fear, because this will not only take away the joy of living, but it also robs you of the joyful hope for an amazing future. Oh, the plans I have for you, dear child, plans that you cannot imagine—plans that have no end!

Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid? (ESV)

2 Corinthians 12:9
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you,
for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (ESV)

Romans 8:38
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from His love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels can’t, and the demons can’t. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away. (NLT)