Windows of Hope

Windows of Hope "And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the Love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:3-4 Our lives are a window for other people to see through. People can see what we are all about, and can usually see what our values are. Once, when Charda and I were in a time of great suffering and affliction, I asked one of my mentors why he thought we were suffering so much. His answer was the most satisfying I have ever received. He said, "You know, you and Charda's faithfulness is an inspiration to us and many others. Your service in the face of difficulty is more of a testimony than you know." Beloved, we must get to the place where we see our lives and our pursuit of God's Kingdom establishment as a window for others to look out and see the real possibilities of what could be and of what God desires. It is being able to see a better way of living in this world. There are countless hundreds of thousands of people that we may never do anything for, yet our lives represent a window for them. In some fields of ministry there may be little apparent fruit, but the fact that a living window exists in that community is significant. All it takes is one person to look through the window of Hope and see an entirely new way of living. We must continually remind ourselves that we are windows of Hope for others; it's not just all about us. God also uses the most unlikely people to be windows of Hope. Remember Rahab? She probably never imagined that her life would be a window of hope for anyone. After all, she lived most of her life as a prostitute. Yet, God used her through a cord of scarlet thread tied in her window. This window represented hope for her and her whole family by sparing them from destruction by the invading Israelites. Take time right now, to think and envision how your life represents of window of Hope for others. Consider how your life might be the only window others have to look through to imagine God's way of Kingdom Living. Pray and ask God if your life is a window of "Hope" or a window of "Worry". God is rising up messengers of Hope world-wide. These precious saints are key influencers in churches, schools, families, and neighborhoods; they represent a message of Hope in an often hopeless society. Their Hope is based on Jesus Christ who promises to cause us to see things as they truly can be. Suggested Prayer Father God, please forgive me if I have been a window of worry that others have looked through. I believe that I am "Too Blessed to be Depressed!" You are faithful to complete what you have started in me. I know that you are allowing certain things to happen in my life for your Divine Purpose and to mold a holy character in me. Your Son paid a great cost for me to persevere and walk in His victory and not live my life in defeat. I trust you in what you allow into my life. I yield myself to you and ask that you would fill me with the Holy Spirit to become a Window of Hope for others. In Jesus' Name. Copyrighted 2005 Heart's Desire Ministries, Inc.