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It is the task of the medical folk to deal with the disease – it is the work of the Church of Jesus Christ to deal with the dis-ease.

The Word of God is written to help people who are suffering upset and pain – and it is to this Word we turn.

1 Corinthians 13 – “Faith hope and love, but the greatest of these is love.”

Many years ago, I ‘translated’ these as Obedience, Assurance and Loyalty.

Things are not getting all that much better. This pandemic is lasting longer than many of thought – and longer than many of us wanted it to.

Faith in God and His Word keeps us hopeful in difficult times.

Hope is based on knowledge – sure knowledge – certain knowledge.

Faith and hope go together. We have hope, because we know the difficulties will not last. No problem comes to stay – it will pass.

Hope is more than optimism – and more than wishing, or wishful thinking. Hope can say that when a thing is bad, it is bad.

Hebrews 6 verse 19 – “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” When together we sing we sing, “Jesus is King and I will extol him –

We have a hope that is steadfast and certain – gone through the curtain, and touching the throne”. Faith is assurance – that is, a certain hope.

This hope is strong – solid – sturdy – stable – firm – unchanging - dependable – an anchor. HOPE – which keeps you from drifting and gives you stability in a storm.

It is easy to drift in life – away from God. The oldest anchors were rocks embedded into the ocean floor with a rope or chain to steady the ship.

We are facing a massive tidal wave – we need a strong anchor in 2020.

Real hope is based on Jesus Christ and God’s Word – not my wishes.

James 5 verse 10 – the prophets are an encouraging example for us.

We have hope because we know God will use these times for good and growth – these troubles test our faith – enabling us to grow and mature.

The opening verses of James speak about joy and testing and perseverance – and James knew what he was talking about. You may not feel you are growing – you may feel tired and drained and depleted in strength – and perhaps even feeling depleted in faith.

2 Corinthians 4 verses 17,18 remind us to fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what it unseen – what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal.

We have hope, because we know trusting God pleases Him.
James 2 verse 23 – ‘Abraham believed God, and because of his faith God accepted him as righteous.’ And so Abraham was called God's friend.”

Abraham did not know all the details in advance – he did not have all his questions answered – he did not know where or when or why or how God was working in his life. He believed God – and trusted God.

Many plans and dreams have been disrupted – so were those of Abraham – but he went on trusting God – Romans, Hebrews and James confirm that.

We have hope – assurance – because we know this is not the end of the story. We are in the middle of the story, and presently it is unclear, cloudy and messy – but God cares about all the various details in our lives.

Luke 18 verse 1 – Jesus gave the key to any hopelessness – always pray and do not give up – never lose hope.

We will either panic or pray – we will either worry or worship.

What causes people to surrender to hopelessness, and give up? It is when we feel all alone or abandoned – or when life seems all out of control and we do not see the way forward – or when we do not have what we need, and we feel we are stuck – or when we have done something wrong and guilt or shame or remorse causes hopelessness, as Peter experienced – or when we have been deeply wounded by somebody and that hurt is deep and that thorn pierces – or when we are pulled in the wrong direction – that is called temptation.

The antidote can be found in the phrases of what we call “The Lord’s Prayer”. This is an anchor which can keep us from drifting – but give us stability in the storm.

My loving Father will never abandon me – God’s power is greater than any problem when life seems to be out of control – God can fit everything into His plan which is the Kingdom of God – God has something great for us to do – when I am concerned about not having enough, I remember God has promised to meet all my needs – “our daily bread”.

Jesus died and paid the price for my sins – when I feel hurt – wounded – misunderstood – I need to remember that God will settle the score one day – when temptation is strong God has promised to help me – “lead us not into temptation” – he will show you a way out and to stand –

When I am frightened, Jesus in me is greater than any other power – Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory for ever.

Romans 15 verse 13 – “May the God of hope” – He is the God of certainty and assurance. He would have us assured and reassured and certain.

No human leader is going to sort out all our problems – nobody is going to resolve all the current financial difficulties, in our lifetime – keep looking to Jesus Christ, our Saviour, and trusting Almighty God completely and totally.

“Our loving Father, help me to be reassured that You will never abandon me. Your power is greater than any problem. As life around me seems to be out of control, You can fit everything into Your plan, which is the Kingdom of God. Father, I know You have something great for me to do.

When I am concerned about not having enough, I remember You have promised to meet all my needs.

Father, Jesus taught us – “give us this day our daily bread”.

Father, Jesus died and paid the price for my sins. When I feel wounded – hurt – misunderstood – I need to remember that You will sort everything out one day.

Father, when temptation is strong, You have promised to help me – “lead us not into temptation” - “deliver us from evil”. You will show me a way out and how to stand.

Father, when I am frightened, Jesus in me is greater than any other power – Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory for ever.

Our Loving Father – Thank You – for giving me – for giving us – so much.” Amen

"Bible verse and quote" from Jan Couns

Bible and Quote - February 25 - March 1