I have snatches of a memory long forgotten this holiday. In it I see festive Christmas decoration, lovely furnishings, pink ballet toe-shoes… and a little girl in a wheelchair. Her hair was almost pitch-black, but there was sadness on her face… the kind of sadness that sets deep in one’s soul. The wheelchair didn’t seem a temporary visit, but a residence… unwanted, uncomfortable and cold. She seemed resigned, somehow, as if all hope had been lost and would never again be found. I feel the sadness still.
There are many like that little girl. Many who live with restrictions of one kind or another. They may be physical… or financial… or mental… or social… or spiritual. Whatever the disappointment or inability, God has given us hope! Romans 5:5 says, “Now hope does not disappoint… because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Italics, mine) Do you have the love of God poured out in your heart? You’d know if you did have a heart filled with God’s love… you would see that inability or disappointment as a bump in the road. If not, it is available to you, through God’s wonderful Gift of Jesus!
God told us in Jeremiah 29:11 that He has wonderful plans for each of us. “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Bold italics, mine) God is a good God! Yes, He punishes evil, but for all who will accept God’s plan, He’s already punished sin through Jesus and, if you receive that precious Gift, you will be covered in His grace… His unmerited favor!
God has a special plan for each of us. Whether or not we walk in that plan is up to us. And if we have stepped into the “”mine field” of God’s enemy and been wounded, God has a great plan to heal you and set you free!
Make this the day that you renew the hope that you once had. Make this the day that you give all the little pieces back to God and let Him fix the brokenness. He created you… He’ll know how to re-create you.
He is our greatest hope! Let Him give you His greatest Gift this Christmas…