HOPE
How long does it take to rekindle hope? Hope can be a dangerous place to stand. Without proof, without assurance, without means to insure the outcome, it can be somewhat reckless to believe that things can get better. The belief in hope gets harder with each passing disappointment, every unpaid bill, cold night, job rejection, broken promise, empty platitude. At some point the, “I’m praying for you,” and gentle smile just doesn’t land. It’s no surprise that over time, the pages of the calendar fade away until all that is left is today. So, how long does it take to rekindle hope?
Ezekiel had a vision where God led him through a valley of bones and asked, “Can these bones live?” Ezekiel replies, “…you alone know.” Then God breathes on the bones and causes them to come to life. The same people who said, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off,” are told, “I will put the Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord (Ez. 37:1-14).
During this advent season, a season framed with the joys of hope, we are reminded of those who have learned to survive by avoiding hope. That is why we are so thankful for the tenacious, fearless, visionary leaders of our innovative churches who are willing to share life and whisper hope to their neighbors. Below is an update from Kelly Bolin, IFC leader in Bertram, Texas. Read how God is working through their ministry to extend hope and help their neighbors believe that, “He appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!”