We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. – Romans 5:3-5 NLT
This summer my two peach trees bore fruit for the first time. I waited expectantly for the fruit to ripen. But before they did, the raccoons discovered them. Each time I checked there were more and more peach pits under the trees, and less and less fruit on the trees. I was hoping against hope that they would leave some peaches to ripen. But what were the chances?
My health issues kept me out of the orchard for a while, but last Sunday I got a picture of two of my grandkids eating peaches there. For some reason the raccoons stopped coming and the remaining fruit ripened. What a blessing!
Sometimes it’s hard to have hope. We look around and all signs point to more disappointment. And the truth is not all things turn out “just peachy”. Sometimes we are disappointed. But the bible promises there is one thing that will never disappoint us – the hope of salvation we have in Jesus. We can confidently trust in Jesus through all our problems and trials.
Last Sunday, we had the women’s choir from Adult and Teen Challenge Minnesota sing and share their testimonies during worship. Though we think of this group as teens, the ages of the women in the choir ranged from early 20s to mid-60s. What a blessing it was to see what Jesus is doing in their lives. Many had lost hope. They had battled addiction for so long. But now they have renewed hope and peace through Christ. Life is sweet again.
Whatever you are going through this week, I pray that you will be filled with hope through Jesus Christ.
Pastor Mark