The God of All Hope
If you’ve been opening my emails and posts, you’ve figured out that the college where I’ve taught for 28 years is winding up a semester. I’m waaaaay behind, thanks to having moved five face-to-face classes online. (If you don’t know, it takes a teacher two to three time longer to deal with an online class than with a face-to-face.) But I don’t want to lose my connection to you, and I don’t want to miss the opportunity to encourage you a bit.
So for the next week, I’m going to share simple messages, probably consisting only of an encouraging Bible passage.
Today’s is a benediction from the Apostle Paul.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13, CEB)
Keep in mind he wrote this not to people sitting comfortably in front of televisions eating cake. Though he wrote in 57 AD, seven years before the organized persecution that began under Nero, followers of Christ were already experiencing difficulties. This benediction, then, recognizes the challenging circumstances and bids them hope, joy, peace, and faith within such.
May you also experience these blessings.
Peace.