riding out the storm

this was the fifth week in lent.

the verses we looked at were the story of jonah and his struggle to tell nineveh that in 40 days God would come and destroy them if they didn't repent,

and also romans 5:1-5

therefore, since we have been justified through faith,

we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.

and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings,

because we know that suffering produces perseverance;

perseverance, character;

and character, hope. a

and hope does not disappoint us,

because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit,

whom he has given us.

♥

3-25-07

you are blessed

as air travels through you

expanding your lungs to their full capacity

as you hold your breath

and as the tinge of pain

from waiting and holding it all in overwhelms you.

as life twists, turns, and flips you,

heartache after heartache

working through the strain of life's struggles

and trying to find the glimmers of hope

through the darkness of suffering.

you are blessed

even in those times when hope is not enough

when to persevere seems foolish

and when our character fails us

do not allow circumstance to deter you

there is something much deeper,

even when not seen,

that holds you there

singing to your subconscious

something that keeps you coming.

the hope that God is who he says he is.

that if we really truly try,

we too can rejoice.

we too can tell the story of suffering,

of perseverance,

and of character.

that we too can know,

deeply and intimately,

what it means to hope.