Tag: hope

Hope

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“Hope” by Kirk Hunt

“Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.”

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (NIV)


You are never quite ready for the death of kith or kin. A long, protracted illness lacks enough warning. A sudden tragedy always catches us unready.


Death does not ask. He does not negotiate. He simply comes. Even Scripture says so.


Death can force us to choose, but he can not control our choices. You can respond in faith. You can reply in strength.


The tears may fall faster and hotter than you like. That is because you are flesh and blood. The sorrow comes because you love and care. That is a good thing.


Grief is not weakness. Sorrow is the most authentic evidence of a life lived, with love, among men and women. Tears are the normal response to loss and permanent separation. Any relationship worth having extracts some grief at its end.


Still, after the waves of sorrow pass, you are left with the memories. Those stored moments of laughter, tears, brawls and embraces are precious treasure. As long as you remember, your friend or kinsman is just a thought away. Especially for those who live and die in Christ, it is never “goodbye,” just “see you later.”


Go on and live through this season. You will have to feel it all. Your real friends and remaining family will see you through the hurt and heartache.


Christians cry at the open grave or weep before the burning pyre. Still, we stand, triumphant through Christ. Death may force the issue, but Jesus has the final Word. “They are not dead, but sleep.”


You will live, love and laugh again. Sooner than you think. God’s grace will carry you. His peace will settle you. God’s power over death gives us our greatest strength: Hope.


Think: His power gives me hope.


Pray: “Lord, help me to remember that You have already triumphed, even over death.”



Copyright © October 2010, Kirk Hunt

The Prisoner Becomes A Prince

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“The Prisoner Becomes A Prince” by Kirk Hunt

 

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.

Genesis 41:39-40 KJV

(Read also Genesis 40:20 through 41:44)

 

Joseph, despite years in prison, spoke revelation and wisdom. He explained Pharaoh’s dream. He suggested a course of actions. Then he waited.

 

Maybe Joseph hoped for a pardon. It’s possible he thought he might get a new job as a slave-steward to the new Grain Administrator. Of course, you and I know Joseph had been set-up.

 

The forgotten man became a foremost minister. He traded his (orange) prison garb for royal robes. The prisoner became a prince in a single hour.

 

Only God can so suddenly change prisoners into princes. Only the King of the universe can so completely and rapidly reverse the situation of a man. Only God knows the set up he has in store for you.

 

You thought your unseen hours and unrewarded labors were for nothing? You thought you had been thrown away and forgotten? God has made plans concerning you and His angels are working that plan with care and precision.

 

You have been set up. All that remains is the pay off. What God promises, God delivers. With interest.

 

Think : God has set me up, and I am glad.

 

Pray: “Lord, help me live out Your set up with grace and joy.”

 

 

Copyright © April 2010, Kirk Hunt

Excluded From Miracles

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“Excluded From Miracles” by Kirk Hunt

But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.

Matthew 9:25 KJV

Most of Jesus’ miracles were committed in public. The miracles served as His credentials that His Word came from God. Certainly, excluding witnesses was unusual.

Whether with gracious ushering, or with gruff insistence, the “mourners” found themselves outside. The other Gospel accounts (Mark 5:22-42 and Luke 8:41-56) emphasize the limited audience for Jesus’ raising of the girl. The miracle became famous, after the fact.

Scorn and disbelief are the enemies of Real Faith™. Faith are the acts you commit, in anticipation of what you do not see. Faith and disbelief cannot coexist in harmony.

Jesus’ told Jairus, multiple times, to believe. He did not rebuke his fear and grief. Faith is not the absence of hurt or concern, but is the presence of hope in God.

You can cling to faith, despite your circumstances. It is easy to understand a grieving father’s fears and doubts. I doubt your situation is easy or without issue. Regardless, you must put out your disbelief before your faith can work.

There’s a famous miracle in your future. If you’re willing to put out your disbelief. There’s the door of your heart. Who’s leaving?

Think: Disbelief and faith cannot coexist in your heart. One of them must leave.

Pray: “Lord, help my belief and faith in what You will do in my life.”

Copyright © March 2010, Kirk Hunt

The Lost Recovered

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“The Lost Recovered” by Kirk Hunt

It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

Luke 15:32 KJV

The parable of the Prodigal Son is told and taught often among Christians. It is a story of loss and hope. It is also a story of faith and attitude.

The father in the story spent his days (and nights) looking and searching. Not for a few coins, but for a misplaced son. I’m certain he would have spent the rest of his fortune to ensure the recovery of the son who wandered off.

The father didn’t console himself that a son stayed. Neither did he write-off the son who strayed. He prayed in hope and expectation. An expectation that led him to search the horizon for a traveler who might never come.

In his heart and spirit he had one expectation: The lost and misplaced would become the found and recovered. His attitude never wavered. His heart never faltered.

What is your hope and expectation today? Have you given up, or given in, about a misplaced life and soul? Keep your faith in our God who recovers the lost. Maintain an attitude of expectation by day and night.

Look to the horizon for a traveler. With hope. In expectation. Keep your party plans close by.

Think: God recovers the lost.

Pray: “Lord, help me to wait with expectation for the recovery of a misplaced son or daughter.”

Copyright © November 2009, Kirk Hunt