It’s about this time in the term that we all look for help to finish well. Sometimes difficulties, pressures, last-minute wrap-ups of assignments, ‘Uberring’ our kids to commitments and so on. Amidst the inevitable twists and turns of life, we need hope for daily strength, wisdom and insight to get through each day. I hope as we are reminded about Hope today that it gives you a lift. 

This need we all have reminds me of last Friday night’s big event called “Activate Hope – Youth Fest.” It was a sensational night with so many involved from our community to help make it a great success, to which we are truly grateful. 

Some of the areas covered were: Stage builders, band members, food catering, coffee, amplification and lighting, a reflective prayer room, multiple games to connect students on the oval, basketball, security, first aid, administration, stallholders, local Youth Ministries and so much more.

Honestly, there were so many involved that helped provide a venue where people could come and feel loved and accepted in a space where hope could be activated in people’s hearts. Our guest speaker mentioned how Jesus meets us in the storms of life and offers us the hope of peace and relationship with Him forever. 

This has made me think about the crucial element of the relationship. Simply, working together to make life work. In our homes, it takes so much more than one person doesn’t it? It often takes the whole family and even the local community to produce great results. When we connect together, serve together, love one another and look out for each other, the results can be amazing and we can thrive. 

The truth is that sometimes we don’t have this in our lives and families. Often it can be lonely and I want to assure you today that God is there. He knows and He never changes. He wants to be your best friend, longs for relationship, be your encourager, your strength and give you an assured hope for life now and in the future. 

We can be assured of hope every day when we talk to God, relate with Him and involve Him in everything we do.  

We know He is about relationships because He is a Triune God – God the Father, God the Son (Jesus) and God the Holy Spirit (God living in us). 

I pray today that you can hand your life and the rest of this term over to the One who loves you and can give you an assured Hope to press on.

So why not begin today to talk to God? A Hope that lasts begins with a relationship with God. The spin-off from getting this right in your life is that He will help you begin to create great relationships until eventually, great community begins to flourish.

I have a couple of verses about Hope today that I pray may encourage you to finish well and produce hope that lasts.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Isaiah 40:28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;  they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.(NIV)

Grace and peace to you all.
Pastor Rob