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I have this hope

Last time I chatted about writing with a marketing director from Wisconsin. She writes for brochures, the company website and marketing emails. Her topic is always given to her. When I told her I write a weekly column, her immediate question was, “How do you know what to write about?” I replied, “That is a great question. I try to think about those reading the column and ask God to provide something helpful to at least one of them.”

Today I am writing to the person struggling with grief, pain or loss. My heart goes out to you. It is a journey none of us choose.

A song from Tenth Avenue North called “I have this hope” has become a refuge for me during recent hard times. Here are some lyrics: “As I walk this great unknown, questions come and questions go. Was there purpose for the pain? Did I cry these tears in vain? I don’t want to live in fear. I want to trust that you are near, trust your grace can be seen, in both triumph and tragedy. I have this hope, in the depth of my soul, in the flood or the fire, you’re with me and you won’t let go.”

Psalm 23 brings me great strength, sharing with us that the Lord longs to be our shepherd. With him, we will lack nothing. He will bring us to green pastures and quiet waters; restoring and refreshing our soul. Even when we walk through dark valleys, he is there to strengthen and comfort us. He provides for us and pours his hope into our souls. Surely goodness and mercy, love and grace will follow us all the days of our life. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!

Isaiah 43 reminds me that God has redeemed me. I am his! Verse 2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” In verse 4 we gain God’s opinion of us, “You are precious and honored in my sight. I love you.”

Yesterday, I read about two football players with career-ending or altering injuries. Mike McCoy, a rising running back for the Kansas State Wildcats, wrote: “I never thought I would see the day where I would have to hang the cleats up, but I have a condition I was born with called spinal stenosis, which will no longer allow me to play. It hurts not being able to play anymore, but I’m going to trust God’s plan that he’ll be with me every step of the way in my new path!”

Jeffery Simmons, projected to be a first-round pick in this year’s NFL draft, tore his left ACL preparing for the draft. He wrote: “I want everyone to know that no matter what, God makes no mistakes. He is preparing me for GREATER things ahead! He has shown me so much in my life these last couple of years and now is the time for me to NOT give up!”

Faith in God, following his word, really matters…I have this hope in the depth of my soul.

Hauser can be reached at www.jonhauser.com

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