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Across the Pastor’s Desk by George Marin

“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.” — Titus 2:10-12 NLT.

We cannot afford to lose hope! Christian believers have an edge that unbelievers do not have — we have true hope that is rooted in our relationship with Jesus Christ, who is the God of hope. We have a true and living hope that is far different from just wishing things to turn out OK. We have a blessed hope that brings peace in our lives even when our lives are in pieces.

Believers, do not be discouraged; do not be dismayed; do not be downtrodden by life. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and completer of your faith. He who endured all for us is on our side, fighting for us, interceding for us and working all things out for the good of God’s perfect will.

Jehovah God is the God of hope. All those who put their trust in him will prevail. We are not in relationship with just a god amongst other gods. We are in relationship with the one true living God.

He is the creator of heaven and earth. He is the giver of life and the sustainer of all good things. He has never abdicated his throne to another. He has never conceded in war, and he has never lost a battle. He has never failed, not even once. Since he has never failed, he will never fail you. He is the God of hope.

You can trust in him in all things and with all things. I have found, in every situation of life, our great God can be trusted. He can be taken at his word. He does not lie. His word is forever settled in heaven. Whenever you feel the ground beneath you shaking, remember that he is the God that never fails. Though everything around you fails — he will never fail. He is the God of hope.

“Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.” — Psalms 46:2

Even when your own flesh is failing, God holds you steady by his own hand. He has promised to never leave your side and to never forsake his people. He is with you, as a believer, every step of the way. You can trust him with every weak step you can muster, because he is the God of hope. “That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.” — II Corinthians 4:16

I trust and believe that this word has awakened true hope on you today. I pray that the God of hope, peace, comfort, compassion and love surrounds you and engulfs you today with his mighty and life-changing presence.

I love you — I’m in your corner!

George Marin is a pastor at Grace Christian Church in Albert Lea.