Lent Day 10: The hope of life

We'd been friends for years. Jama and I lived in the same city and thousands of miles apart. We shared music, prayer, and conversation. She taught one of my kids piano in exchange for her own lessons. For years, she and another single student joined our family for supper between their lessons.

She moved back to Seattle a few year ago. When I visited her in the hospital, we'd been acquainted for nearly 30 years. Cancer had invaded her body several times, but her spirit and vision remained undaunted. 

Watching Jama, I was encouraged by God's work among us. Her body was frail. But she was certain about what God had spoken to her. And that gave her hope. She expected healing, but if God did not heal her, she would be taken into his presence.

Remembering Jama during Lent gives me hope. God alone can do the impossible. He alone can override natural laws for disaster prevention, restoration, or healing. Sometimes he does. 

And sometimes, when our days are over, he calls us to life in his presence. "That would be far better," sighs Paul, knowing he cannot go Home yet. Jama had the privilege of walking into eternity, strong in her faith, trusting God for every breath and beyond.

Christ-followers live with this hope of life. Life here and now. Life eternal.

Lent reminds us that we have the receipt in hand for God's intervention. Jesus "paid it all."

Do you need hope today? God's answers don't always look like our questions. He does more than we expect. Gives us more than we ask for.

So take courage. Come to your Heavenly Father with your "impossible" petition. Be willing to trust and obey as you come. And see how faith in Christ and trust in the Father will transform your discouragement to hope ... and your darkness to God's light.

Read more:
*When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Isaiah 43:2 ESV

*If God is for us, who is against us? Romans 8:31 NLT

*I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 NKJV

 Moravian Prayer: In dark days, Protector God, we are tempted to sink into despair. Please keep reminding us that you will never abandon us and we can always rely on your support and sustenance. Amen.