Hope is a Gift

I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. (I Corinthians 9:23) 

God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us (II Corinthians 7:6). 

Through His grace He gave us a good hope and comfort that continues forever (II Thessalonians 2:16 ICB). 

We were given this hope when we were saved (Romans 8:24). 

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a Spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control] (II Timothy 1:7 AMP). 

I know that when we come together something beautiful will happen as we are encouraged by each other's faith (Romans 1:12 VOICE).  

I want not only to share my faith with you but to be encouraged by yours: Each of us will be a blessing to the other (Romans 1:12 TLB).  

A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other (I Corinthians 12:7). 

In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well... If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging (Romans 12:6, 8). 

So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind (I Thessalonians 5:11 THE MESSAGE). 

There's only one reason I can get up in the morning and breathe. Only one reason I can keep going, day after day. Only one reason I can accomplish anything.  

It's all a gift from God. This life is a gift. The air we breathe is a gift. Our talents and abilities are gifts. Our relationships are gifts. Our resources are gifts.  

Our hope is a gift. It, too, comes from God. He gives us the hope of salvation-that when we were lost in our sin, separated from Him, He loved us and sent His Son to be our Savior.  

He gives us the hope of heaven-our true home-and o perfect life there that never ends. He gives us hope for this life, right here and now, in all its brokenness. He helps us find healing. He helps us find meaning and purpose, grace and strength, love and joy and peace. 

It's all a gift from Him.  

That's why I can't stop talking about Him! It's why I shore Him with as many people in as many ways as I can. Sometimes people compliment me on my boldness or courage on social media-how publicly I live out my faith-and their kind words bless me.  

But honestly, I don't see how I could live any other way! I've been given o platform, a position of influence, and I want to use it to shore what's most important to me.  

In I Peter 3:15-16 it says, “Worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way.”  

That's what I try to dol Gently, yes. Lovingly, yes. But also faithfully and honestly and unashamedly.  

I want to give others the hope that has been given to me-the hope of the gospel, the Good News of Jesus. This hope is so real, so true, so powerful, so life-changing for me-I know it will be for them too.