“So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.”
2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 (ESV)
Our weaknesses, acquired defects in attitude and behavior, as well as our failures are all tools which the adversary uses to hinder our growth. Because we know theses things about ourselves, we allow the effects of them (i.e. gloom, pessimism, self-pity, etc) to become obstacles to our hope. And the enemy of our soul simply sits back and laughs.
BUT, the victory comes when we encourage ourselves by remembering Scripture. Victory is fortified when we strengthen ourselves with both good words and good activities.
Hope For Tomorrow
(author unknown)
“There’s hope for tomorrow, even when things look dim,
There’s hope for tomorrow when you put your trust in Him.
Though darkness surrounds you, He’s always there,
With arms that will hold you in His loving care.
Just when you thought you had lost everything,
He’s right there beside you, with comfort to bring.
And you’ll know with assurance, He’ll never depart,
For He’s dwelling inside you, right there in your heart.”
(reprinted from The Gadsden Times, 6-10-05, Page B3)
Dear Father, thank you for the eternal hope we have in Jesus Christ. Thank you for each person who reads these words today. I pray for them that they might stand firm and be strengthened in hope. Deliver them and me from the tricks of the enemy. In the name of Jesus I pray. AMEN
Be encouraged in the hope of God’s promises,