HOPE THAT HELPS YOU COPE

This generation has been called the “now generation” emphasizing the desire for instant gratification. It is called the “me generation” denoting a selfishness that seems to permeate our society. It also seems to be a “nervous generation” for it is overcome by the problems and worries of our time. We are so high-tech that we are “high-teching” ourselves out of jobs. The problem is that our nerves don’t hold out as well as our machines.

Our bookshelves are full of “how-to” books proving we really don’t know how-to. As Methodist Bishop Gerald Kennedy wrote, “Whenever a generation talks long and anxiously about a philosophy of life, you may be sure that it does not have one that works. We are not worried about our health until we are sick; we are not concerned about happiness until we are bored; we are not anxious for the good life until we are overwhelmed with the evil of our present life…We think that all of our problems can be reduced to an equation. If two parts of hydrogen and one part of oxygen equal water, then happiness ought to equal two parts of this and one part of that.”

But it isn’t that simple. We are desperate for answers, but they are hard to come by. We must do something about the heart-attacks, cancer, child abuse, broken homes, terrorism and the growing unhappiness that is inside of us. We are conquering outer space, but inner space is in shambles. People are confused. They are like the farmer pulling a rope across the field who said, “I can’t remember if I just lost a horse or just found a rope.” People are like the businessman who when asked if he had trouble making decisions said, Well, yes and no.”

The Apostle Peter wrote to some stressed out people. He did not give them easy answers. They were concerned about trial and persecution. He told them that it probably would happen. What was true then is true today. There are no instant formulas to do away with problems. BUT, there is a HOPE that all of life’s problems and stresses can’t distort, life’s poisons can’t rust and life’s internal terrorists can’t destroy. Because of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, we can have a hope that will help us cope.

We have a hope that has been initiated by a merciful Father! “Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Because of His great mercy He gave us a new life…” (1 PET. 1:3a TEV). God looked down through history and saw people living desperate lives of sin and hopelessness. Because of this, and without our deserving it, He fashioned an eternal plan of salvation that took in our failures and sin by applying His grace and mercy to us. Knowing we were doomed on our own, He chose us and all believers, as those who would be saved by His grace through faith. What God gives us cannot be changed by circumstance and pressures. These cannot overrun your hope in Him because it is rooted in the Father-heart of God!

Our hope is based on history not happenstance! Upon fact, not fantasy! “…He gave us new life by raising Jesus Christ from death. This fills us with living hope.” (1 PET. 1:3b TEV). Natural hope is not living hope because it is based on variables, not absolutes. St. Peter said nothing can change our hope because it is based upon a certain, unchanging fact – Jesus Christ is risen from the dead! If your faith is in Him, your hope is as sure as the empty tomb! If you are a Christian, you can know that your times are in the control of God. Your life is headed towards something wonderful and it will “all work together for good.”

Our hope is guarded by the power of God. “…and so we look forward to possessing the rich blessings that God keeps for His people. He keeps them for you in heaven, where they cannot decay or spoil or fade away. They are for you, who through faith are kept safe (guarded) by God’s power for the salvation which is ready to be revealed at the end of time.” (1 PET. 1:4, 5 TEV). Peter here describes the 24 hour guard of heaven upon every child of God. We are watched over by God! Your blessings from God are kept undefiled for you by the power of heaven! Only someone or something mighty enough to overthrow the throne of God can take your hope away.

Peter goes on to describe how our hope only grows through trials (1 PET. 1:6,7) and is guaranteed through Jesus Christ (1 PET. 1:8,9). Because of what Jesus has done in His life, death, burial and resurrection we indeed have access to a hope that will help us cope. This is the joy of the Easter season. He is alive and therefore can live…TRULY LIVE!

Blessings,