from Ron Rose
February 11, 2008

Preparation

Just a few days ago I heard a popular radio talk show host blast the concept of hope. It was his contention that hope never accomplished anything…in his mind some people hope and some people perform, “This world,” he said, “doesn’t need more whiners crying about hopelessness; it needs people who get off their couches and do something. What has hope ever accomplished? Hope is for wimps; it’s feelings and wishes for those who don’t have the guts to do anything…some do, some just wish.”

Not only do I believe he overstated his case, I am confident he missed the point all together. Hope is not a wish list; hope empowers the “wanter” inside us. Without hope we don’t want to accomplish anything, we loose our will to do even what we do best.

Hope assures us that in the context of God’s will, what we do will make a difference. it’s the mysterious power inside us that encourages us to move ahead in the middle of chaos and to approach the unknown and the dangling loose ends with faith.

If we lose hope, we stand alone… soon depleted, worn-down, and washed out. Mystery and joy are gone, and we find fear everywhere.

Hope, real hope is not a leaky bucket of wishes, it’s the power drink of champions—God’s champions.

When we find ourselves in the murky waters of the deep we are confident of his enduring presence. Hope assures us that regardless of what we face, God will provide exactly what we need. God after all is our creator; we are his chosen representatives. This world is his, not ours.

Inspiration

She gazed for a moment at her nametag: Hope—Waitress, IHOP. What was she going to do?

Hope was beginning the day exhausted; last night had been another of those long sleepless nights. This one was worse than most; twice during the night she had seriously thought of ending the pain. But, she didn’t. Bills, conflicts, struggles--she was so afraid. Like so many times before, she prayed and prayed again for God to hear her voice; but God just wasn’t listening, or he wasn’t around, or he didn’t care.

She clipped on the nametag and headed to the corner booth where two older gentlemen were setting, waiting for breakfast.

“Welcome to IHOP,” she said, “my name is Hope, I’ll be your server.”

“Hope, what a great name you have,” said the talkative man.

“Not much hope here,” she responded.

The two men ordered breakfast and Hope returned with coffee, the talkative one asked, “Hope, you said there isn’t much hope here, what did you mean?”

Surprised by his question she pretended she didn’t hear. But when their eyes met she somehow felt safe; safe enough to put the carafe down and confess her misery. She felt hopeless, so why not unload on these two unsuspecting old guys.

It only took a couple minutes for the gentlemen to sense the depth of her despair. Again, the talkative one spoke, “Can we pray for you, right now?”

“Pray! I’m fed up with praying. God doesn’t hear me; he doesn’t answer.”

Then came the shock! “Sure he does; I’m here,” said you-know-who.

What do you mean?”

“I’m his rep, he sent me here today to bring you some hope.”

She smiled and walked away. Before they departed the two men pooled their money and left her a $100 tip. On the way out he said, “Hope, there will be more of us. They will ask for you and when they leave, you will be blessed with more than you expect.”

God is still coming to that IHOP in Grapevine Texas… He has come to Hope. God is always in the deep…his representatives are all around you. They are not limited to just one pancake restaurant.

Motivation

When we listen, really listen, to the fear around us, when we look into the eyes of strangers and speak up for God… He shows up and hope grows.

Is this the week to represent the God of Heaven? Is this your day to put in a good word for Jesus? Does someone around you need a heaping dose of hope?

For someone this week, you will be an unexpected, mysterious dose of hope.