Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Hope-Fully


There is a line from a classic hymn that says, “When satan tempts me to despair...”
I have to admit this initially struck me as weird. I mean, I always thought of the enemy’s tempting us as being in regards to sin.To entice us to sin by appealing to our fleshly desires. To encourage us to rebel against the Spirit, by taking the seemingly fast track to   pleasure. But who has ever been lured by hopelessness?
I mean, a plate full of despair is certainly not appealing no matter how it’s garnished. Especially when compared to a buffet of indulgences.
But it is nonetheless, just as real and destructive as gratifying bites.
And, just like engaging in those more palatable inclinations, it’s purpose is to get us to turn away from God. To turn our focus  from the One Who offers what truly satisfies a hungry soul.
This sneaky little weapon of satan’s called despair is often hard to detect before it has been swallowed. It hides beneath layers of thoughts of doubt and mistrust.
It comes in the form of gray words spoken by those who only see dark skies and impossibilities.
Far too often, God’s children are quick to bite. Often consuming a whole meal before we realize we are spiritually sick.
It’s ok though. If you have been fed or freely grazed at the table of despair, it’s not too late to push back.
The Great Physician has just the remedy. It’s called hope.
I have noticed that even when difficult and trying situations enter our life, God never brings along a side-dish of despair to go with the bitter meal. No. He offers the fresh water of His Spirit, the crisp nourishing Word of hope. 
Of course what other message would He bring? What else would reflect the personality and character of the One Who has created galaxies with a word and stopped ocean swells with a wave of His hand. Is He going to tell you not to hope? That it’s all over? That this situation is just too big? That is is going to destroy you take you and those you love down? That nothing....can..... be... done..
No. That’s not His voice. It would be contrary to His nature.

With our God there is truly no line of the horizon. He has no limits. 
His Words ring through blue skies in THE Voice of victory.
Today, no matter what situation has come you way, don’t take the easy path and grab hold of the fast food of despair. Cling onto Hope. Hold onto the One Who IS.  And because He IS ...there is always hope.
  • Last Friday I had a followup PET scan. Yesterday (Tuesday) I received the results of that scan. The area in my lower left lobe that was originally a baseball size tumor ( in Sept.)  and then seen only as an opaque haze,( In February)  has now “changed” and resurfaced as a small nodule.
We appreciate your prayers as we seek His direction on the next step, believing that God, His will and promises have never changed.
 “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,  through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;  and perseverance, character; and character, hope.  Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Romans 5:1-5
Love this Warrior Princess -Crystal Lewis!
Listen to her words of HOPE!

Beauty for Ashes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQSk0OIEhDs

6 comments:

  1. NOT looking down at the waves! Keeping our EYES ON HIM...with you! Love you so much.

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  2. Hey Lisa,

    Just wanted to let you know I am praying!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IHaLpcpBxs&feature=share

    Love and Blessings,
    Barbara

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  3. Hi Lisa Furrow, I am praying too.....those pity parties sink me too...the Truth comes at me in small gentle waves...songs, Bible words, God uses so many ways to get my attention...my daughter...my husband so far his tests r clean from stomach cancer...my disease how ever progresses...I have found their is nowhere to go but to God..as I go deeper in the Word to see how these great men and women trusted God....healing on the outside may not come, but my heart has been healed and Praise God that is truly the only thing that counts..the song "lead me to the cross" dissolves my fear and anger and reminds me who HE is, my Father God..again Lisa u and your wonderful family r in my prayers. I like this song and the words http://youtu.be/zTPu0okUH3o

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  4. Hey Lisa,
    You have been on my heart and in my prayers. Psalm 61 was on my heart for you this morning!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpfVT-k9yzE&feature=related
    Love and blessings to you!
    Barbara

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  5. I love the words you use, Stable, Hopefully, but today after another long visit with a doctor, Ridiculous is the word that came to my mind. Ridiculous for Satan to think he could stop you from serving the Lord with all your strength. Same goes for me, Satan might as well stop trying to discourage us, because as Job said, "though He slay me still will I trust Him.". So keep on keeping on, let Him. Help us "mount up with wings like eagles, run and not be weary and to just walk and not faint."

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  6. You are always in my prayers.Kimberly

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