Life Shaped by Hope (May 2021)

It has been said that a person can live about forty days without food, about three days without water and a few minutes without air, but without hope life becomes unbearable.

Hope can be the difference between success and failure. We can withstand so much if we know there are people who support us and are looking out for us. Even hope and faith as tiny as a mustard seed can produce mountainous amounts of blessings.

This does not mean we will be ‘successful’ or achieve all we go after; after all, as God’s creations we don’t have a great track-record of setting our sights on the best goals! But failure can be a good teacher (if we are open to learn!). This is essential in childhood. As I look at my children, I see them constantly straining to learn... and they tend to learn quickly when things don’t work! Hope is linked to perseverance, but it is essential to have a guiding light, a purpose and a clear direction.

In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus reminds us that as Christians, “You are the light of the world.” and to “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” This is an image of drawing on the hope of Christ, whilst simultaneously shining hope out to others. Perhaps in these dark times that can feel hope-less, we need to reflect the light, love, and life of Jesus to the world; but to do that well we need to stay focussed on Him.

Who is your light? Where does it come from? In John 8.12 Jesus says “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” No matter what we are going through, if we have Jesus in our life (led by his light), the darkness can never overtake us. Stay focused on Him, and He will bring you through whatever life brings. Let Him be your hope and strength. When you don’t think you can hold on any longer, let Him carry you. He never said life would be easy, the good things in life rarely are, but He did say that He would never leave you.

Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” I want to encourage you to stay focused on Jesus and the hope he is. Pray for endurance and be a reflection of hope to the world.

As a church we are called to follow the light and hope of Jesus and we will be exploring ways for us to deepen our faith and be a brighter light to the communities we live in. I hope you can join us on this exciting journey. We have much to praise God for, all because of the hope we have in Christ.

Please join us on this journey as we focus on the hope that God gives.

Every blessing,

Revd Ian