Embracing Change and Hope: A Statement (05/26/'24)

Embracing Change and Hope: A Statement We need to be overflowing with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit and have the passion to live a new life day by day, even as our outer selves waste away. We cannot become what we aspire to be by remaining what we are. Great reserves of potential lie within us, waiting to be released. Nothing in the world can trouble us as much as our own thoughts. Let us guard our hope in Christ and not let the world change it. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope" (Romans 15:13). Change is inevitable; without it, progress is impossible. We should no longer accept the things we cannot change but change the things we cannot accept. Life is not remote; it demands action. To change life, we must first change our thinking. In the ways of change, we find our direction. People often resist change because they focus on what they have to give up instead of what they have to gain. In our darkest hours, we might feast on lies, but we must not give up. "Therefore we don’t give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day" (2 Corinthians 4:16). Passion is essential; without it, we fail. Embrace change and let hope overflow, for the Spirit guides us, renewing us day by day. Pastor Steven G. Lee (May 26, 2024)