Faith, Hope and Courage

In this season of happiness and joy. During this time of celebration. Of lively meetings with friends and family, there are still those among us who live each day in fear. It may be fear of losing their home or losing a job. It may be fear of losing a loved one or a friend, or simply losing whatever may seem precious and necessary to them. These fears usually stem from circumstances and situations that have them facing some very frightening possibilities.

Fear may seem irrational and easy to overcome for those who are not experiencing it. Hope may seem like something that is easy to grasp and cling to for those who are not living with terrible doubts. Outsiders may wonder, where is their courage? Where is their faith?

Isn’t it interesting that courage and faith can only be demonstrated by those who are living with fears and doubts. For many, it takes courage just to wake up in the morning and courage to crawl out of bed. It takes courage to face whatever another day may hold, and it takes courage to overcome struggles laced with doubts and fears. It also takes courage to have hope, and it is hope that helps us move forward, to take another step, and then another. Hope is what we cling to when the unknown is staring directly at us. Because the truth is that any strength gained from that hope comes solely from our faith. The key question in all of this is; “What are we placing our faith in and in whom are we drawing our hope?”

As Christians, we have Almighty God living within us. We may not see what our future holds, but He does. Therefore it is God alone who we place our faith in. It is only through our Heavenly Father that we gain our courage and strengthen our hope. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that, “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

Pastor Andy has often reminded us that faith comes from clinging not to what we know but by clinging to what God knows. Courage is refusing to give into our fears and it is our faith that strengthens our hope. It is our unwavering hope that puts steel in our courage and it is our courage that helps us get out of bed each morning. Faith is the seed in all of it that allows our hope to flourish and our courage to shine. It is our faith provides the resolve in our minds that enables us to boldly face our doubts and fears.

Pray for strength in our faith and the will in our hearts to cling to Almighty God in our search for courage and hope. 

Pray to continue in our faith that God is our provider and that He has a plan for whatever our future holds. 
Lift up everyone at Thrive who may be struggling with fear of an unknown future. Pray that our Lord strengthens their resolve to keep their unwavering faith in a faithful God.

Do we truly believe that the Lord is with us? Do we truly believe that our God will continue to provide for our needs? Do we believe enough that God is more than enough? Let us strengthen our resolve to maintain our faith in a faithful God. Have courage and cling to the hope that He is our God and His love for us is unwavering and let our hope give us the courage to make it through another day.