On Christmas Eve, a lady whom I will call Sandra, came to our ministry in dire need. She had fallen it seemed, into the bottomless pit of despair after she decided to make a career change. She was a teacher and was becoming weary of her profession so she decided to study another vocation. Shortly after changing course she was involved in a car accident, which left her partially crippled, needing a wheelchair at home and she depended on crutches outside the home.
As a result of opting out of teaching she no longer had a medical plan. That’s when her life began to spiral out of control. The mortgage payments could no longer be met. The bills began to pile up, she could no longer work and there was no money coming in. Eventually, she lost her home so her 3 children had to be moved out to separate homes and she had nowhere to go. Even her wheelchair was confiscated. Her car became her new home. Finally, her friend reached out on her behalf and got her the help she so desperately needed.
Where was her hope? How far does a person have to sink before the burden is lifted? When does a miracle occur? When there’s hope of course. It is hope that we must cling to. There is something that each of us can share regardless of the storms of life, and the blessings of happiness and that is hope!! How can we say that we have hope while we live in this world as we know it? Keep in mind that Jesus came to earth to be among us to fulfill the Father’s will. He came to offer hope and life but He suffered and died on a cross so that each one of us may have the opportunity of eternal life. That is our hope!
He knows the problems that come our way. There is nothing that any one of us can go through that He hasn’t endured himself. In fact, He already suffered more than we could ever fathom. His resurrection, however, was victorious and triumphant. Hebrews 4:14 says: “Therefore since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin.”
God sympathizes us in our weaknesses. Our sinless Father to whom we cry out and have our hope is our compassionate Father. He asks us to place our hope and confidence in Him. Verse 16 says: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. In our prayers we can say with confidence: “Lord you know my need, you know what I’m going through. I am seeking your grace and mercy to help me. I believe you will Lord because you understand!"
But wait, the story gets worse. Sandra had planned to commit suicide, but at the moment of contemplation she had her youngest child in the car with her and wouldn’t go through with it. You see, she began to give us more information. In a three-month period, her sister died, her sister’s husband committed suicide and her father died of a heart attack. That was the breaking point. She came to us like a broken vessel. We consoled her and took care of her. We packed toys for her children, we gave her warm clothing, and we made referrals to seek the help she needed.
How could we possibly understand her situation? We could only offer hope. Surprisingly when I walked her to her car, she felt a little better. I assured her that it would get better. “See, there is a glimmer of hope, isn’t there?” I said. She gave me a smile. I will continue to pray for Sandra and her children. She must be on the road to recovery by now. After all, God’s love and hope is for everyone. May we each take hold of the hope that is ours! Why must we cling to the old rugged cross? Because no one is exempt from despair. We must not give up believing that God’s power and grace carries us through life just as He promised he would.
As a result of opting out of teaching she no longer had a medical plan. That’s when her life began to spiral out of control. The mortgage payments could no longer be met. The bills began to pile up, she could no longer work and there was no money coming in. Eventually, she lost her home so her 3 children had to be moved out to separate homes and she had nowhere to go. Even her wheelchair was confiscated. Her car became her new home. Finally, her friend reached out on her behalf and got her the help she so desperately needed.
Where was her hope? How far does a person have to sink before the burden is lifted? When does a miracle occur? When there’s hope of course. It is hope that we must cling to. There is something that each of us can share regardless of the storms of life, and the blessings of happiness and that is hope!! How can we say that we have hope while we live in this world as we know it? Keep in mind that Jesus came to earth to be among us to fulfill the Father’s will. He came to offer hope and life but He suffered and died on a cross so that each one of us may have the opportunity of eternal life. That is our hope!
He knows the problems that come our way. There is nothing that any one of us can go through that He hasn’t endured himself. In fact, He already suffered more than we could ever fathom. His resurrection, however, was victorious and triumphant. Hebrews 4:14 says: “Therefore since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin.”
God sympathizes us in our weaknesses. Our sinless Father to whom we cry out and have our hope is our compassionate Father. He asks us to place our hope and confidence in Him. Verse 16 says: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. In our prayers we can say with confidence: “Lord you know my need, you know what I’m going through. I am seeking your grace and mercy to help me. I believe you will Lord because you understand!"
But wait, the story gets worse. Sandra had planned to commit suicide, but at the moment of contemplation she had her youngest child in the car with her and wouldn’t go through with it. You see, she began to give us more information. In a three-month period, her sister died, her sister’s husband committed suicide and her father died of a heart attack. That was the breaking point. She came to us like a broken vessel. We consoled her and took care of her. We packed toys for her children, we gave her warm clothing, and we made referrals to seek the help she needed.
How could we possibly understand her situation? We could only offer hope. Surprisingly when I walked her to her car, she felt a little better. I assured her that it would get better. “See, there is a glimmer of hope, isn’t there?” I said. She gave me a smile. I will continue to pray for Sandra and her children. She must be on the road to recovery by now. After all, God’s love and hope is for everyone. May we each take hold of the hope that is ours! Why must we cling to the old rugged cross? Because no one is exempt from despair. We must not give up believing that God’s power and grace carries us through life just as He promised he would.
Jan Keats
Oh Jan, what a heartbreaking story! So glad you could be there to give hope and help. I'm sure God is bringing other angels across her path too.
ReplyDeleteHi Jan,
ReplyDeleteThank you for this encouraging story. It's just what I needed this morning (after studying for a math final with my son!) I especially appreciate the scripture you shared from Hebrews 4:14 and 16.
Pam