Hope Grows

2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Paul writes in the latter stages of Chapter 4 of both the troubles we will face, and that the size of them, in the bigger picture of eternity. He speaks of the power of Christ living in us; the strength that comes from that hope and promise of eternal life in Christ. How no matter what this world throws at us, we will have victory in Him. 4:8 We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. We are not promised a life of ease, but we are promised eternal life in heaven with the One whom created life. The strength found in that hope, is the strength to face anything the day may bring.

At your core you have a crutch you go to when you need help. It may cause you to be an introvert, handling your problems alone on the false power of your pride. It may sadly be a substance to numb the pain, or a habit to hide from it. It may be any means of escape, but there is only One who can carry the load and provide the hope that will get you through it; Jesus Christ. There are many right now after the horrific tornado in Oklahoma that are seeking comfort and hope. I pray that in all of this their faith grows in Christ. Even in, and through all of this pain, God can be glorified and draw others to himself. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

It is in the normality that your heart is prepared for the trial. It is in the daily time with God that you are strengthened for the attack that will come. You prepare for war, by preparing for battle. You spend daily time with God developing an understanding of God by the revelation He reveals. He opens your eyes to a faith that only the heart understands. 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. The more time you spend in the pursuit of Him, the more He reveals himself to you, and the stronger your faith becomes. The stronger your faith becomes, the greater your hope becomes, and with that hope comes understanding of the trials you will face. They ALL are only temporary, and they all can point you, and draw you closer to the One you will spend eternity with.