As I thought about hope, the first thing to come to mind is the phrase "blessed hope." I quickly went to one of my favorite websites, Bible Gateway, and typed in the keywords "blessed hope." I smiled in satisfaction because the scripture validated my belief in what every believer's hope should be:
"while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" Titus 2:13
I don't know about you, but I can't wait for that day. Our world will be put right when Jesus comes! Our struggles and trials that we have so long endured will be over.
Back up a minute! Let's don't take this verse out of context. Yes, we have hope, but we also have something to do while we're hoping. Read below the whole passage:
"11For the grace of God that brings salvation has
appeared to all men. 12It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. " Titus 2:11-13.
Aww, man! There's that word, "self-controlled!" That's right. As we hope for that wondrous future event of God making everything right and good, we must live godly self-controlled lives. We have to be eager to do what's good. Eager is not being passive but actively seeking to do good.
I suppose you're thinking, "Jerralea, you're going down a rabbit trail. You are supposed to be sharing what you're thankful for!" You're so right! Please keep reading.
I am thankful for not only the "blessed hope" but that He has given us something to do while we hope. Think how boring it would be if we were to apathetically hang around waiting for Jesus to rescue us. (Know anyone like that?) Instead He trusts us to be a passionate people, purifying ourselves as we minister to others. That's something to be thankful about!
Join us at Laurie's Women Taking a Stand (You have to love the name of her website!) to read how others responded to the call of being thankful.
Very good post. I enjoyed it greatly
ReplyDeleteJerri, this is so beautiful...you have put balanced in this post...we can hope yes, but we need to do something while hoping! That hit me somewhere...
ReplyDeleteI've been going around, and God is speaking to me through the whole TT community...and then I got here...and yes, while I hope I can do something...thank you for the pun...it was timely and needed. :)
God bless you...
Absolutely loved your post on "Hope". I feel totally rejuvenated and leaving feeling like I can really do something now that I understand what it means to hope. :) Happy TT! -Laurie
ReplyDeleteAmen, sister! I love that reminder that we should be busy doing His work and becoming more like Him while we await His glorious return.
ReplyDeleteThis was a really nice post.
ReplyDeleteI do indeed know someone waiting around to be saved. I took a leap, today, to try to offer her some perspective, as I live far and am without means to help her, except to be a shoulder, and feed her desire for comfort. I hope she becomes more proactive in helping herself, and becomes more 'self-controlled' in her ability to get herself out of her funk.
ReplyDeleteYour post is SO right on :)
I am so thankful for the "blessed hope" we have in Christ too. It is a great comfort and encouragement. Thank you for sharing your thankful heart with us. God bless you!
ReplyDeleteyou gave us much work to do while we hope in His glorious return. Thanks and be blessed
ReplyDeleteThis is a great reminder of our hope and our responsibility!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post; the thoughts on self-control are right on. Have a great evening!
ReplyDeleteFantastic post. It really spoke to my heart.
ReplyDeleteHi Jerri, thank you for dropping by. This is a great post and reminder! God bless!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post and not one moment that I was wondering where you were going with it ;)
ReplyDeleteBlessings.
Thank you for being an inspiration :) love what you wrote in my thankful post. And yes I agree with you..I can't wait for that d-day too when we're all going to meet our Savior!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
good post. thanks for visiting my TT!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your thankful heart of hope!
ReplyDelete~Mrs.Cuddles
Thanks for the reminder. Now to get busy!
ReplyDelete