HOPE

Hope?… Guilty as Charged

Georgeon Pedigo

“CLONK! CLONK!”

The gavel pounded the desk with the sharp beat of accusation.

“Sir, we have heard the charges brought against you… how do you plead?

A jaunt away from Judgement’s seat, the defendant slowly raises his head. This is not the movement of fear, trepidation, or shame. The accused’s gaze is confident, and from the corners of his mouth a smile begins to spread.

“Guilty as charged your honor,” the defendant says. “I am guilty of HOPE.”

Though a bit dramatic this is the position we find the Apostle Paul in as he faces a Roman judge in Acts 27:26. Paul had been accused of blasphemy by the Jews living in Jerusalem. His preaching and teaching of new life through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ was something they could not tolerate. He was detained and put on trial, and when asked to defend himself again; Paul confidently told his story one more time. He spoke of how He had been a persecutor of Christians. He spoke of how God had convicted him, saved him, and called him to minister. He spoke of the persecution he endured as a servant for Christ.

After all of this explaining, Paul declares, in verses 26 and 27,

“And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God

unto our fathers: Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving 

God, day and night, hope to come. For which hope’s sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.”

Paul was accused of Hope.

Where is Hope?

Hope in today’s world is a commodity whose stock has dropped worse than any number the stock market can reveal. The news offers nothing. Society offers nothing. Politics offer nothing but false hope. However, in the midst of this fog stands the Church, offering with open palms the Gospel of Salvation. The Hope of Glory. It’s counter intuitive. It’s counter cultural. It doesn’t make sense! Why does this Hope persist?

Paul’s message of Hope didn’t make sense. He was persecuted for his calling. He was sent to be tried before Caesar Augustus, the emperor of Rome himself. He was sent as a prisoner to Italy by ship. In the course of the voyage, he changed vessels once. The voyage changed course five times, the sailors had to throw out the food and cargo because of the massive storm they found themselves in. If all these hindrances weren’t enough the ship is breached and broken to pieces, forcing the men aboard to find a way to shore, and not just any shore, the shore of a land that they did not know. Strangers shipwrecked on unfamiliar sands.

You might ask… how can one have Hope in the midst of such a trial? Where does one find the silver lining in the midst of so many storm clouds?

How to Hope?

No Escape Boats:       

If Hope is a leap of faith, then how do we take the first hop? The men on the ship tried to escape by using the lifeboats that were on board. This attempt was cut short when Paul informed them that only those who stayed on board would survive. (Acts 27:30-32) In this life’s journey we will face storms. In the midst of these trials, we may be tempted to try and escape the call of God. Other solutions to our problems may seem appealing, when in reality they will take us out of His will and place us in greater danger. So, like the sailors in Acts, cast off the escape boats!

Commit to the Sea:

            When the day broke, the men saw the land that would be their safe haven. However, they could not reach a place to port while anchored in their current position. They had to take up anchor and commit themselves to the sea. Letting the wind fill their sails, it guided them into new territory. (Acts 27:39-40) In order for us to achieve new territory and claim the promise of God we have Hoped for, we must leave our current position. We must commit to the path he has placed before us. We open ourselves to the wind of His Spirit and trust it to lead us into new territory.

What is Hope?

Humans misunderstanding of hope is a problem of perception. Paul writes in Romans 8:24, “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?”

Sometimes we see Hope as an end we should already possess. We have built up this perception of Hope as the light breaking through the clouds. Crossing the finish line, the victory lap. We see Hope as something beautiful.

When Paul and the men on the ship finally found land, the next step wasn’t easy. Acts 27 tells us that some of them had to swim to shore. Others had to cling to pieces of wood splintered from the hull of the sinking ship. It was hardly the graceful picture of victory.

Hope isn’t always beautiful. Hope is believing something beautiful exists even when everything around you looks ugly. Hope is the faith we have in the Risen Christ. Remember the words of Paul in Romans 5:3-4

“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:”

Why Hope?

On the third day of trying to navigate the ship through the storm, the crew had lost their Hope. They were tired, ragged, and couldn’t see a way out. Acts chapter 27:20 describes their peril.

“And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.”

In the midst of the Chaos, Paul stood, and addressed the men. He showed them the Hope he was accused of.

“And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.” Acts 27: 22-25

Why does the Church have Hope? Because in the world’s darkest day, in the midst of its worst storm, we have experienced the resurrection power of the risen Savior and we stand at the ready to offer that Hope to someone else who needs it. When they cannot find a way out, we can offer them the nail pierced hands of the Gospel. When they cannot see, we point them toward a Savior who is bigger than the universe itself and yet concerned enough to cause the smallest seed of Hope to grow in an individual heart.

So… guilty as charged. For the cause of Christ, I have Hope!

As I was serving at our Indiana District’s Women of Worth Tea, the speaking was talking to the widows of licensed ministers and my mind went back many years to my personal situation. At the young age of 18 I became a minister’s wife, a full-time evangelist wife at 20 years old and, just as quickly as I became a minister’s wife, I was not.

After nearly two years of being on the road in a 32 foot travel trailer, preaching revivals throughout the state, it all came to a stop on a late summer day at the District UPCI Campground. An all day meeting was held which resulted in the revoking of my then husband’s ministerial license. It was quite a scandal and I was no longer a minister’s wife – actually within months I was not a wife at all, but a single mother, with a two year old child with disabilities.

As I listened to the speaker encouraging the widows to find whatever they could find to do I remembered that being exactly what I made a decision to do in 1986 when my world was turned upside down, dreams crushed, trust broken, and heart broken. I could make a decision to become bitter, blame God for my situation or find whatever I could find to do for the Kingdom.

My father was a church planter and I began serving in his church playing music and leading worship. I served in any way that I could find to serve in addition to music whether it was baking cookies for bake sales, teaching Sunday school, picking people up for church, etc. (There was always something to do in Home Missions!)

Several years later I met a young man who asked me to be his wife and he adopted my daughter who was five years old at the time we married. We have served together in any way we saw a need for 30 years now. He has never had a ministerial license but we have found that “ministering” does not require a license. We have served in music ministry, special events such as banquets and Sunday school contests, janitorial services, bible studies, new convert discipleship, etc.
My life may have not followed the path I thought it was going to but I am a witness of the faithfulness of God when we are faithful to Him even when heartbreak blindsides us in this thing called life. “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might…..” (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

Submitted by Chris Hunter

God is a God of detail. Nothing escapes His notice, and we can be comforted in knowing He cares. He also has an uncanny way of building our faith. Personally, I think He delights in using unique opportunities. My kids and I have been recipients of His wonderful provision in big and small ways. 
 It was 2011, and my children and I had just entered the biggest storm of our life. Dark clouds hovered, our future looked bleak, and my finances bleaker. I felt I was barely keeping my head above water financially.

All I knew to do was to be wise with my finances and pray for God’s help. And pray I did! 
 One day while picking up some groceries, my 11-year-old daughter asked if I would buy some AA batteries for one of her toys. I fought back tears as I told her, “I am sorry, Stormy, I can’t do that today. I have just enough money for the groceries I need and no extra at all. It won’t always be this way. Things will get better, but I need you to be patient. We can always pray though.” Honestly, I was a bit frustrated with God, but I didn’t want to damage my child’s faith so I said the right words to her. 
 After putting the groceries away, I told my kids I was going to my room to pray for a while. Falling across my bed, I voiced my frustrations with God. I wept and was gut-honest with God. The good thing about God is He is okay with this. He understands our frame of mind and is patient and loving.

How had my life been reduced to not being able to afford a few simple batteries for my daughter? She didn’t ask for much. For good measure, I even beat myself up a bit wondering if perhaps I could have squeezed the funds from elsewhere but hadn’t been wise enough with the meager funds I had? A royal pity-party was had, but I was the only one attending. Meanwhile in my daughter’s bedroom, she was praying a simple child-like faith prayer, “Jesus, can I have some batteries?”
 A few days later, arriving home from work I was delighted to see someone from our church had dropped by some groceries. As I unpacked the bags, I chatted with my children exclaiming over God’s goodness and praying blessings on our generous sister from church. Reaching into the bottom of the last bag, I pulled out a pack of AA batteries. In our groceries, our benefactor had “randomly” placed a pack of batteries. My daughter got the biggest smile on her face and exclaimed in awe, “Mom, He heard me. Jesus sent me some batteries.”

I had not told one person about our need for batteries, and neither had she. But there was One who knew. And that day He taught my daughter and me an incredible lesson. She is now confident God hears every prayer she prays, no matter how small. I am now confident that when I allow God to do things His way, in His time-frame, the result is a much greater good. His object lesson taught me more than I ever knew possible. Every time I look at a package of AA batteries, I am reminded of the incredible beauty of His faithfulness.

March 16, 2010, felt like the beginning of the end for me. This was the day my husband sat with me on our beloved porch swing and told me he was attracted to another woman. I will never forget the awful feeling in the pit of my stomach. That day started the battle for my marriage as well as the battle for my soul. Over the next year and a half, I interceded, sought counseling, made changes, all in my desperate attempt to save our marriage. At times we made progress, other times it felt like a step back. I told no one. Who could I tell? Many would label me a fool for even wanting to stay in the marriage. At least I felt like there was hope while he was still there. I was just sure if I prayed enough, was sweet enough, and got thin enough my marriage would make it.

October 15, 2011, was the day my husband moved out. Just when I thought things were getting better and we were going to make it, his emotional affair turned to a physical affair and our marriage was over. He wanted a divorce. Words bombarded my mind, “You are a fool. Why did you even try? You look so desperate.”

In that moment I had a decision to make. Let the voices continue to berate, or look in the mirror and realize only God’s opinion mattered. What did God think of me? I still had many questions: after being involved in ministry with my husband for over 25 years, would there ever be a place for me again? Would my children lose their faith? Would I live in poverty for the rest of my life? Would I be the one of whom people whispered, “I don’t understand. They always seemed so happy.” With dozens of questions in my mind, I sought out the One who has all the answers. One by one, He systematically, methodically and with great purpose answered my questions.

No, I was not a desperate fool who tried unsuccessfully to salvage a doomed marriage. I was simply a woman who loved her husband and was committed to marriage. Yet, I had to realize I could not control anyone else’s choices.
God still loved me. His opinion of me had not changed. His love had never wavered. Since I tried to walk this trial with integrity, releasing all bitterness and anger to God, I felt I pleased Him. I understood the answer to the question, “What does God think of me?”
Would I ever be used in ministry again? This was largely in my control. How did I respond to this trial? If I chose bitterness and anger, my testimony could not be used. However, if I chose to allow God to build better character through this, He can open doors for me to use a very painful experience for good.
Will I always be poor? I may not live with the degree of financial security I previously enjoyed, but my children and I have learned first-hand the unique beauty of God’s provision. Instead of losing their faith, this has increased my children’s faith. Their walk with God has become deeply personal and intimate as they have had to search out things for themselves.
If anyone “whispers” about me, it is with complete concern and compassion. I have felt nothing but total love and care from the family of God. The church has been a safe place for my kids and me. Our choice to stay involved has served us well.
Oct 30, 2013, was the day my divorce was final. It began a new chapter in my life. God is still writing on the pages of my heart, and I am with anticipation watching the direction the storyline takes. This Author can be trusted to take a heartbreaking story and write a joyful end.

Jill has been blessed with four incredible children and a beautiful daughter-in-law. Jill enjoys music, reading and day spas! She attends The Sanctuary in Hazelwood, MO, pastored by Mitchell Bland.

How is your heart? Are you experiencing a season of life when it feels as if your heart literally can’t take another moment of despair? Has betrayal broken your heart?

Viktor Frankl was a psychiatrist who survived the holocaust. He was tortured while in the prison camps waiting for his turn in the gas chamber. The conditions were beyond desperate! The setting was horrifying and unbearable! Somehow, however, he was able to maintain a positive perspective and had a beneficial influence on every prisoner who would listen to him. He chose to view their grave situation through a lens of hope.

He believed that humans are motivated by something he called a “will to meaning,” which equates to a desire to find meaning in life. He argued that life can have meaning even in the most miserable of circumstances and the motivation for living comes from finding that meaning. To take it a step further, Frankl wrote:

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances…”

This opinion was based on his experiences of suffering, and his attitude of finding meaning through the suffering. Frankl believed that when we can no longer change a situation, we are forced to change ourselves.

Viktor Frankl not only survived the holocaust, he went on to develop an approach to therapy based on the premise that the human person is motivated by a “will to meaning,” an inner pull to find a meaning in life.

I believe he had the most resilient spirit and unrelenting endurance to survive the torturous events he experienced with an uncompromising determination. It is something we can all learn from.

You may find yourself at a loss right now, surrounded by uncertainty and feeling disappointed by life. The truth is that even when we can’t manage an outcome, we can manage our response to it.

Your heart may be broken, it may be hesitant to believe but finding your “will to meaning” is so healing. Finding the meaning for your life restores strength and tenacity!

This Valentine’s Day may not be the day you envisioned. In fact, in a million years, you would not have anticipated that this is where you would land in life! So, you may have considered staying home all day, throwing the covers over your head and trying to hide from a world that is seemingly head over heels in love.

Valentine’s Day often reminds us of romantic relationships, so the tendency is to focus on what singles don’t have. Taking time to enrich another person’s life may be exactly what your broken heart needs.

It might do your heart a world of good to support the marriages of friends and family by offering to babysit so they can spend time together as a couple. Or you may decide to invite other singles over for a pizza party. You could also reach out to a widow, or someone in need, with a note, flowers, or time spent in prayer together. When you decide that this circumstance is not going to dictate your response, your heart starts beating again!

No matter how you decide to reach out, in so doing, I hope it is a healing experience for you and I pray that in the process hope is restored in that beautiful heart of yours!

Romans 15:13 – “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”

Written by: Beverly McManus is a Nationally Certified Counselor by the NBBC. She is also licensed by the State Of Tennessee Health Related Boards as a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Mental Health Service provider designation. Tennessee License number is LPC0000001934. https://www.facebook.com/BeverlyMcManusCounseling/

There will be times when life transitions come in unexpected way. It could be sickness, the loss of a job, the loss of a loved one, a divorce, or any other myriad of issues that come our way. Keeping our identity firmly grounded in Christ will help to keep our foundation sure. Psalm 18:2 “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” When losses come, Christ still remains. Things change, but He never does. Looking to Him as our source of joy, identity and hope will keep peace in our hearts.

My identity crisis came in the form of a divorce and loss of full time ministry. I was married for over 22 years and loved the years of evangelizing and pastoring a church we planted. I remember thinking after my husband resigned the church that I would need to change my Facebook and Twitter intro to reflect the fact that I was no longer a Pastor’s wife. So, I changed it to “Wife and Mom”. Then a few months later my husband made the decision to walk away from our marriage. I was handed divorce papers one day. What was I? Who was I? All I knew was ministry, marriage and child rearing. I had now lost two huge portions of my identity.

Thankfully I had spent many years building a strong walk with God that ultimately would see me through the trauma and pain of loss and rejection. I was now “Follower of Jesus and mom of two beautiful children”. Thankfully the baby (church plant) we birthed and pastored for 17 years loved my children and I through the time of difficult transitions. I showed up for services even when it would have been easier to just stay in bed and pull the covers over my head and not face the world. I performed my ministries in the church even on days when my heart was feeling the sting of gut wrenching betrayal and agony of my soul. I made it a point to take my teen daughter to every youth event, camp meeting and to fellowship regularly with people of God.

As I faithfully kept walking, God started healing me. Good days became more frequent than bad ones. Tears began to subside. God was there, in the mundane task of living day to day. He loved me through His people, through His Word and in personal times of devotion. God placed in me a strength and resilience that only comes through faithfully surviving tragedy by getting up, showing up and not giving up!

Whatever life brings, you have full assurance that first and foremost you are God’s child and when it’s all said and done, that’s all the identity you really need.

Article written by: Faith Jones