Dec. 9 2010
DEVOTION: Menacity of Hope
By Beth Bondurant
The phrase "menacity of hope" came in a political assessment and it caught my ear. How can hope be a threat... a menace to individuals as well as entire countries.
Many times we talk about our faith... our hope... our belief in God's presence and power WITHOUT accepting the reality of what it means to be "in the world" today.
"The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see."
For health... a menacity of hope would be chemo. There is a possibility that going through difficult treatments... cancer growth is delayed.
For relationships with those we love... a menacity of hope would be acceptance and forgiveness ... no matter where that might lead.
For peace and security...a menacity of hope might be separation from family.. work or even taking leave of an entire community.
For joy and shalom... a menacity of hope may be letting go of the past and seeking to move forward in a totally new direction.
Hope can threaten us if we risk our life and take hold of our faith.
"Dare to trust God in only what God can do."
There are so many stories of people who have emulated the menacity of hope... when they have put aside their need... their well being for the sake of another.
Judgement will come from society... from family... from many... who do not understand that the menacity of hope may challenge our chosen lifestyle... our belief... our realm of security... our perception of faith.
O God... I am weak and lack the strength to risk trusting in what only You can do. Forgive me for clinging to the past... to the little that I know and grasp... to making judgments without discernment... to desire the fullness of your power immediately... to not only being "in the world"..but also "of the world". My hope is in You even when I waver in my trust. Help me today to begin to voice my fear and doubt in light of God's love and grace streaming in and around the menacity of hope.
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DEVOTION: Menacity of Hope
By Beth Bondurant
The phrase "menacity of hope" came in a political assessment and it caught my ear. How can hope be a threat... a menace to individuals as well as entire countries.
Many times we talk about our faith... our hope... our belief in God's presence and power WITHOUT accepting the reality of what it means to be "in the world" today.
"The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see."
For health... a menacity of hope would be chemo. There is a possibility that going through difficult treatments... cancer growth is delayed.
For relationships with those we love... a menacity of hope would be acceptance and forgiveness ... no matter where that might lead.
For peace and security...a menacity of hope might be separation from family.. work or even taking leave of an entire community.
For joy and shalom... a menacity of hope may be letting go of the past and seeking to move forward in a totally new direction.
Hope can threaten us if we risk our life and take hold of our faith.
"Dare to trust God in only what God can do."
There are so many stories of people who have emulated the menacity of hope... when they have put aside their need... their well being for the sake of another.
Judgement will come from society... from family... from many... who do not understand that the menacity of hope may challenge our chosen lifestyle... our belief... our realm of security... our perception of faith.
O God... I am weak and lack the strength to risk trusting in what only You can do. Forgive me for clinging to the past... to the little that I know and grasp... to making judgments without discernment... to desire the fullness of your power immediately... to not only being "in the world"..but also "of the world". My hope is in You even when I waver in my trust. Help me today to begin to voice my fear and doubt in light of God's love and grace streaming in and around the menacity of hope.
Share This Story:
Make HNN Your Homepage (IE Users Only)
