Hope of God
God spoke to me as I was reading a book. In reality, I was searching for my theme for the year. I read several books. But in this one, I found a phrase that resonated with me.
“Growing in my faith, my roots stretching deep into the hope of God.” Taken from Play with Fire by Bianca Juarez Olthoff.
Throughout the month of December, God has spoken to me through the verses of others, always pointing out the word, praying. And I realized I want to become a prayer warrior. This year I want to pray for my family, my friends, and my business. Even now, I want to see the differences the prayer of the righteous will make in my life.
This year, when things are overwhelming, I want to know in my heart the words of Isaiah 43:2. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
I want to be able to say with conviction, “Lord, I choose You and I won’t give up. I am Yours. Even if my goals are not met, even if I don’t see my prayers answered the way I want, I choose You.”
Inspire Hope
I want to be able to say, “My prayers and hopes have deep roots in reality.” Philippians 1:7 Everyday I want to live in reality, to make goals and reach them.
I know that God will watch over every step I take. He won’t keep track of my mistakes. My sins will be stuffed in a sack and thrown into the sea. They will sink into the deep ocean. (Job 14:17)
But here I am, at the end of a hard year, looking forward to another year filled with hard work and loss. I have hope rooted in a promise God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This hope is in the promise of the resurrected Messiah, Jesus Christ our Lord. I have hope in the comfort and power of the Holy Spirit of God. And I rest in the arms of the Father God. (Acts 26:6-7)
This year I will – Inspire Hope – Encourage Others – Love Richly – Listen Well – through the strength I have in Christ Jesus.
