Emilie Barnes wrote her book, A Cup Of Hope, while fighting a fierce battle with hopelessness. But, she discovered that, resilient hope that comes with our intimate relationship with Jesus.
I myself can remember quite clearly, the day I visited the oncologist with my father, and I listened to the devastating news he received.
I walked with my father through his five years battling cancer, and I remember that day when the doctor delivered the news, “Your cancer has no known cure. Survival is one to five years… at most.”
Though we believe, though we trust, and put our faith in God and His Word, it does not mean that we are immune from trouble. Christians must often fight the same battles as unbelievers.
The difference, is that we do not ever have to face our trouble without the help, or hope, that comes down to us in God’s promised “daily mercies.”
As we sip our tea…
I can almost hear Emilie as she shares about how shaken she felt upon hearing the doctor’s diagnosis that he had found cancer.
I sit quietly listening, eyes filling with tears, remembering that day with my father.
I nod in silent agreement.
And, I can almost see the sadness in your eyes, as you sit silently sipping your tea.
(But then, Emilie shares one of her “gems” I told you about!)
She sits up a little straighter, beams us a smile, and through her own tears she reminds us,
… I’ve tested the strength of a hope that prevails when human hope all but flickers out… regardless of the final outcome of my cancer… I’ve learned to lean on the hope of God… to let myself be carried by the one who is the hope of the world. *
Another Cup of Hope
I myself have experienced the resilient hope that Emilie speaks of.
I smile through my own tears, remembering how it was the Word of God, and His unbreakable promises, that got me through each weary day of those five years with Dad.
When your heart is crushed, and it seems as if all hope has flown; when your world is shaken to it’s foundations, and you can’t imagine how many tomorrows you will have, or what they will look like…
That is when God’s Word remains–when all else has fallen apart!
God’s Word gives: Resilient Hope
- But now the Lord who created you, O Israel, says: Don’t be afraid, for I have ransomed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up—the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, your Savior, the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 43: 1-3 TLB
- Yet there is one ray of hope: his compassion never ends. It is only the Lord’s mercies that have kept us from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his loving-kindness begins afresh each day. My soul claims the Lord as my inheritance; therefore I will hope in him. Lamentations 3: 21-24 TLB
- The eyes of the Lord are upon even the weakest worshipers who love him— those who wait in hope and expectation for the strong, steady love of God. Psalm 33: 18 TPT
Our Fourth Cup
Let’s face it, we all know someone who is fighting a battle with hopelessness.
Someone you know may have a marriage that is falling apart.
There might be a person in among your friends who has just received devastating news.
(You won’t have to look far.)
There is someone out there who needs your cup of hope.
So…
Our first “homework” assignment is to take our fourth cup, fill it with a bit of hope by making that phone call, writing that note, sending that card, or simply sitting quietly beside someone, as we listen to them share their story.
Father,
Truly, You are The Hope that holds this broken old planet together.
Show us where to share our “cup of hope” this week.
Give us Your creativity and compassion.
We offer you our hands and feet.
Thank you, for all You are willing to do through us.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
* Emilie’s “gems” are shared with the permission of Harvest House Publishers. They are: Taken from: A CUP OF HOPE by Emilie Barnes, Copyright © 2000, Published by Harvest House Publishers
Photos courtesy of: Unsplash
My “Thanks!” and Photo credits go to: photographers, Etienne Boulanger, Priscilla Du Preez, Morgan Sessions, Alisa Anton, and Annie Spratt
Women With Destiny 