Unleashing Hope

Posted on May 11, 2023 by Elizabeth Welte in Freedom Fighters

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” ~ MLK

Those that I admire most are those who are willing to sacrifice of themselves for that which is right. I was born of, and mentored by, these kind of people all my life…. those willing to do what it takes so that God is glorified and Jesus’ name is praised.

These people are extraordinary, yet the world barely notices them. What they did or said may not be recognized with awards and talk shows, yet each scar they bare is stitched in my mind and underlies my motivation.

I know many who are driven by selfish ambition, always pushing their agenda and desires to the forefront, not wanting anyone else to get an advantage, or allow themselves to be vulnerable. But those extraordinary people, who know what’s good because they know and serve the Lord Jesus Christ, kneel in prayer and give their backs for others to stand on as they stretch to new heights.

It’s these that I admire and it is these that I would hope to emulate… even if it was just 1 percent of all that they did. They would tell you, ‘it was nothing’, and say like Paul, ‘to follow them as they follow after Christ.’

These people are not extraordinary because of anything to do with themselves, for they will tell you ‘they died to themselves’ and that ‘it is Christ who now lives in and through them.’ It is for this reason alone that they exude such joy and peace.

I admire those who truly know what’s ‘good’… that ‘God is Good’; and they as frail vessels, knowing that they have ‘the ministry in them that is from the Lord’; a treasure, a light that shines out of darkness and into the lives of others, bringing the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. It is this Light that Unleashes Hope to all mankind.

Choose wisely…

“We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.” (2 Cor 4:14-15 NLT)

Praying 4 U

 

Written by David Brown: David Brown is a husband, father, grandfather, Pastor with a Masters of Religious Studies and a Professor of Philosophy and Comparative Religions. Dave is the Associate Pastor of Pemberton’s First Baptist Church. He is the author of two devotional books, “From a Chair by the Window.” And “#PrayerWinsThe Day”.

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This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8-9