KEEP HOPE ALIVE
SHINE: Living Like a Bright Light in a Dark World / Day 6
On February 28, 1944, Corrie ten Boom and her family were arrested by the Gestapo in Holland for hiding Jewish refugees in their home. Their courageous effort to save lives from Nazi extermination led to their own incarceration in Ravensbruck. Stripped of their dignity and freedom, the sisters managed to smuggle a Bible into their flea-infested barracks and start a prayer meeting. Each night as they opened up the Word of life, they chose to take their eyes off the cruelty of man and look to the love of Christ. Their persevering faith in the midst of affliction pointed many lost souls to true salvation. Corrie learned: "There is no pit so deep that God's love is not deeper still."
The first two chapters of Lamentations describe the deep despair of God’s people when they were imprisoned by Babylon. Jeremiah weeps over the city which stands in shambles. But in Chapter 3, the Prophet purposefully shifts His perspective and begins to remember the mercy and compassion of God. He chooses to reflect on the faithfulness of God’s character rather than rehearse the futility of his circumstances. The city was in ruins, but God’s righteous reign still endured. Jeremiah challenges God’s people to persist in prayer and wait for God’s sure salvation.
The word “wait” here is not a passive term. Waiting on God’s deliverance is a purposeful choice to look ahead with hopeful expectation and eagerness. Corrie Ten Boom didn’t languish in inactivity as she waited. She moved forward trusting that God was Providentially working through her afflictions to bring greater glory to Himself.
When we purpose to contemplate God’s mercy and not give in to misery, He births hope in our hearts even in the darkest of times. We can walk forward in full confidence that God will deliver us from captivity. God’s lovingkindness never leaves us. We must trust that He is working toward a complete restoration and will rescue us soon.
If you are in a valley season right now, don’t give in to complacency. Keep hope alive in your heart by focusing on the faithfulness of your God. He always keeps His promises.
SEE: Read Psalm 33:20-22. What do you learn about God’s faithfulness that fills you with hope?
SEEK: Read Isaiah 40:30-31. What are the benefits for those who wait well and hope in the Lord?
SHINE: Write out one of these verses on a 3x5 card and mediate on it each morning before you start your day.
This was just what I needed today.