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HOPE
"Be
strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord." Psalms 31:24 NIV
My wife and I had dreamed of moving to Texas for a long time. The military
base where I worked was being closed, and my job would be ending. I was
following through with two excellent leads, and had had an interview and a
physical exam. But for some reason, God had other plans. We moved to
upstate New York.
We were far from our children, family, and friends. It was very
difficult for us to fit into a church where we felt comfortable. My wife
was terribly lonely. And I was not happy with the location that God had
set us in. Then in my devotion I read, "I have learned to be content
whatever the circumstances." Philippians 4:11 NIV. I realized that in God,
I could be content. And in Him, I had hope.
About a week later, we were asked to share a devotional with the
residence of a senior citizens' home on Sunday afternoon. We decided to
share this scripture in hopes of encouraging the residence. The rewards
were ours. The following Wednesday, we received word that I had received a
promotion, and we would be moving to Dallas.
The old church hymn Solid Rock goes "My hope is built on
nothing less that Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the
sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name. On Christ, the solid Rock,
I stand; all other ground is sinking sand."
Dwayne Collins, MA, LPC
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