31 Days of Hope Day 6

"The world or our circumstances may tell us, "Hope is dead. God is gone. There's nothing you can do." On those days we have to remember that we're committed to hope no matter what happens.  Even when we can't see it. Even when we don't feel it. Even when all evidence suggests the opposite."

So often in today's society, we get caught up looking at the outside of a problem, expectation, or situation.  The inside is where the hope is. Sometimes it is deeply buried, however, its always there. It's a matter of choice and sometimes a little work on our part. 

Think of a pineapple.  It is hard and kind of prickly on the outside but, the inside is juicy and sweet. If you only look at the outside of a pineapple you would miss the delicious fruit on the inside. To get to the fruit, you need to slice the pineapple open with a sharp knife. As you begin to cut into the pineapple, you need to be aware as the prickles on the outside, as they can poke you. Once you cut the pineapple open, the sweet aroma will fill your senses and make your mouth water. If you had never seen a fresh pineapple, you might not realize with a little work and attention, there IS something different than the outside, waiting on the inside.

When we focus on the circumstances of the outside of a problem we will only see the hard prickly conditions. I know from personal experience, it's easy to judge something on the surface rather than dig deeper into the heart of a matter. If I am honest, sometimes I don't want to exert my time and energy into digging deeper.  Other times, I don't want to face the reality of what brought me to this point in the first place.  There are also times when I wish God would simply make my life more like the inside of a pineapple. 

I have to remind myself that is not what this life on earth is about.  God did not promise us a comfortable carefree life.  Often times it's more about how we are choosing to look at our situation ; is the glass half full or half empty?  

To get to the hope of a matter, we have to be willing to keep our faith on firmly. Even when circumstances tell us differently.  Even when we can't see it. Even when we don't feel it. Even when all evidence suggests the opposite.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12

*make sure to check out the other topics today; Victory, Purpose, Wellness, Passion, and Love-the links are provided on the right side*