In A Time Of Division, I Serve A God Of Hope

I serve a God of hope.

I serve a God who promises good.

I serve a God who has already won.

I serve a God who tells me, "Have faith in me, and I will throw mountains into the sea!"

I serve a God who hears the cries of the oppressed.

I serve a God who says, "Your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground!"

I serve a God who sees the broken.

I serve a God who says, "I have heard your misery."

I serve a God who is able to do more than we could ever ask or imagine.

I serve a God who is making all things new.

And I serve a God who calls us to partner in the process.

We have been called to fight for human rights, to end slavery, to protect children, to advance the rights and freedoms of women and of the oppressed. We have been called to study creation, to advance scientific development, to create masterful art, music, and literature, to grow knowledge and create beauty. We have been called to love our neighbors, to give shelter to foreigners, to offer food to the poor, and to care for the orphan. We have been called to make this broken world a better and safer place for its broken inhabitants with every step and every breath we take. Because that's God's work.

"He has showed you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8).

And as we walk humbly with the God who hears us, we share in God's redemption work, that has begun in us through Jesus, and will be completed in all the world when Jesus returns.

"Now the dwelling of God is with people, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Revelation 21:3-4).

I serve a God who is bringing Heaven to Earth!

Be encouraged. Be strong. Continue on in the good work that you have been called to.

Thanks be to God for those who fight for freedom and justice.

Thanks be to God for those who research diseases, discover cures, and heal bodies.

Thanks be to God for those who counsel and pastor the broken.

Thanks be to God for those who create songs of lament and songs of hope.

Thanks be to God for those who minister through their art.

Thanks be to God for those who work to end poverty.

Thanks be to God for those who protect, and those who guard.

Thanks be to God for those who stand for what is good, and right, and holy.

Thanks be to God for all who are working towards a better world, for all who are plugging along on the path towards redemption, waiting for Jesus to complete the final work. Let us cry out honestly when we have grief and sadness, and then let us pick up our heads, take hold of our God who hears, and join together in making this world better.

Have hope and peace in Jesus. There is trouble in this world, but take heart! He has overcome it. (John 16:33).