Hope Makes Not Ashamed!
If you took a poll today in this nation there would probably be half that say that this nation is doomed, and half that say that there is going to be good things coming this way. As citizens we are at a crossroads, we can turn to one opinion, or another and set our gaze on that outcome. Then there is another alternative. We can place our hope in the One that promised to be with us always, even until the end of the world!
As believers we live in a dual world. We are in the world, meaning we have to abide by the laws of this world- working a job, paying taxes, obeying traffic lights, etc. However, as believers we live as kingdom citizens- answering to a higher power than that here on earth. Because God’s laws are higher than this of that world, if we obey God, it will cover all the laws of the land we dwell in.
How does that translate when it comes to viewing the events going on in the world? I have found that as believers we may be judged by a different standard – and one not necessarily fair. Criticism can sometimes play out in harsh retorts and even unjust practices. While we do not face the persecution that other nations face for embracing the cross of Christ, there are seeds growing into a disdain for our beliefs. Men love darkness rather than light.
I rest upon this scripture, which is repeated in both the Old and New Testaments:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly
7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.Romans 4:4-8 (NKJV)
It is God’s love that gives me to know that I need not be ashamed of my faith, or my future. If He died for me when I was a sinner, how much more will He live in me now that I am His own. Let us keep our focus on the One who can do anything, but fail!
Maria
Amen Maria, a great word.