For those needing hope

It's been nearly a month since I've sat down to write.  These past weeks have been filled with ups and downs, as is typical for everyone living life on planet Earth.  There have been some intense struggles that I'd had to battle through, both personal and professional, and am just now feeling as though my head is back above water.  The reality is, sometimes the "down" seasons can so overwhelm you, that it takes extra time and effort to bounce back.  

Through conversations, business meetings and social media postings, I've gathered that many of you have been experiencing a new intensity of trails and/or adversity that has left you feeling discouraged and defeated.  I applaud your vulnerability and thank you for the courage that you demonstrated through your transparency.  Life is hard, and when we pretend otherwise, it causes those around us to question why they have it so hard, when we seem to have it so good.

For those of you who share my faith, I want to remind you of a scripture that never ceases to stop me in my tracks: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  Romans 15:13

I never want to come across as someone who will slap a popular Bible verse on a problem and call it good.  I get it, that words (even God's words), aren't always a quick fix.  However, I encourage you to meditate on this and really contemplate what this would look like in your life.  Have you ever experienced a time where you have been overflowing with hope?  For me, the answer is, "rarely".

What if we became a people that were so full of joy and peace that we really did overflow with hope?  How would that transform your marriage?  Your parenting?  Your business?  Your ministry? The beautiful truth about this verse, is that none of the actions need to be completed by us.  Wait, I take that back.  There is one action we are called to take: trusting in Him.  But, it is God who fills us with the joy and peace, so that we may overflow with hope.

For those who haven't read much from me in the past, please know that I write on subject matter that I'm in the process of learning.  This isn't me "preaching" from a position of great experience.  Instead, it's me walking along side of you as we learn lessons together, in real time. 

So, I challenge you, as I myself am challenged.  Let's be purposeful in prayer, asking God to bring a fresh revelation of what it looks like to practically live out Romans 15:13.  Then, when you start to overflow, go stand next to someone who needs some hope, so that they might at least splash their toes in the goodness of God.