Jesus = Hope! April 9
Written by Karen Wonders
“The Lord will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” (Psalm 121:7-8 NIV).
Where would we be in this life without hope? It’s what motivates us to keep trying after all seems lost. It gets us through the storms of life. It’s the anchor that keeps us going, no matter how hard the struggle.
Sometimes, though, we can lose our hope. Sometimes we face things that are bigger than we are … things that are more than we can handle in our own strength. It is so easy in those times to let the waves of fear, frustration, and doubt sweep over us. In fact, if you search the Bible, you will find that there are many examples of people who let fear and doubt overtake them. In his Gospel, John tells us about one such man who had lost his hope. You see, this particular man had been sick for 38 years … so long that his sickness had become a way of life. He didn’t have anyone who would help him. He was unable to help himself. He had lost all hope that he would ever get better. He didn’t even recognize Jesus when He spoke to him. When asked if he wanted to get well, all the man could do was focus on the hopelessness of his situation (see John 5:1-9).
We can all identify with this man, can’t we? How often have we given in to despair? How often have we lost our way in the storms of life? Where do we turn to find our hope?
An old saying explains that where there is life, there is hope. If you are a follower of Christ, then this “life” is Jesus. In other words, where there is Jesus, there is hope.
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Jesus is the sure foundation that our hope is built upon. Jesus comes to us when we are weak, just as He did with the man in John’s Gospel. Not only did Jesus heal that man, but He made that man strong—able to walk and care for his own needs. Jesus is the same today. He is still able to give us the strength we need to face life’s challenges.
If you are struggling to find your hope, would you consider praying and asking Jesus to be your source of hope? If you are weary and your energy is fading, just remember that you are in need of Him! He is listening and longing to help you. He will give you the strength to begin again. After all, where there is hope, He is there!
Pray: Father God, sometimes the pressures of life make me feel helpless to move forward. I can’t see a way out. I feel paralyzed by fear. Lord, in these times, help me not to quit. Help me to find strength in You and run this race faithfully. Hide me in the shadow of Your wings and give me hope! I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Your Turn: Where have you lost hope? Ask God for the strength you need to face this challenge, not run from it!
Karen Y. Wonders, PhD, FACSM, Cancer Caregiver
Karen is the Founder and CEO of Maple Tree Cancer Alliance, and Professor/Program Director of Exercise Physiology at Wright State University. Her passion is to advocate for exercise as part of the national standard of care for cancer. Her non-profit organization provides free exercise training to thousands of cancer survivors every month (www.mapletreecanceralliance.org). Dr. Wonders and her husband have 7 children—aged 16 and younger. If you think her hands are full, you should see her heart!
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
To learn more about our ministry and the services we provide visit our website by clicking here.
