Heavy Heart

Recently, my heart has been heavy because of the trial of many or our friends and missionaries. Let me just take a moment to speak of them.

First, our friends Tom and Joanne Foltz, who are missionaries to Tanzania, recently returned home from the field because of a medical issue that just became apparent. Tom was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Upon returning to the states the diagnosis was confirmed in Missouri. His update page can be found at tomandjoannefoltz.blogspot.com. He has started the long process of treatment with Chemo, but there is still a long road of medical issues ahead. Would you join with me in prayer for him right now?

Then, I am reminded of his son, Jonathan, and his wife. They were missionaries to Tanzania as well, until their infant, Trevor, became ill with Infantile Spasms. They are currently missionaries to Rhode Island as they continue to seek treatment for their son Trevor. You can read an update about them at trevorshope.blogspot.com. Again, would you lift them up in prayer right now?

These friends are going through one of those impossible times in life. And it would be impossible to handle these things were it not for the hope that is found in Christ.

Contrast the lives of these individuals, who are it the midst of difficulties yet find such hope, with the headlines of this past week. "Man kills 12 at immigration center in New York State" or "Fight over urinating dog got police to Pa. ambush" or "Shock as Father shoot his five children dead". There seems to be a "scarcity of hope" in the lives of most people.

Our President wrote the book Audacity of Hope. Do you know what that means? It means the fearless daring of hope...the bold or insolent heedlessness (with regard to restraint) of hope. What he is saying is that hope throws off restraint and allows one to succeed. Yet, what I see in our world is a place of little hope. Maybe a better work to consider would be the Scarcity of Hope.

Recently, I heard a sermon on just such a subject. For believer's, we understand that lasting hope only comes from God. The headlines mentioned above should not surprise us when we consider that apart from God there is no hope. The Apostle Paul says that in Ephesians 2:12. And without godly hope, man is only left with himself to meet life's difficulties.

That is why I am so glad there is hope in Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 says, "Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work." The believer is able to stand fast in difficult situation because of the hope we have in Christ. So, friends, stand fast and if you need some to stand with, call me! I will stand with you!