Pastor's Corner

Hope Is Real.

There is a story in 1 Samuel chp. 1, about a childless woman by the name of Hannah who came to the temple and poured out her misery and troubles to the Lord. She was without a child but her husband’s other wife had chi

Observing her, Eli, the priest, thought she was drunk and chastised her. Hannah let him know otherwise, and he told her to go in peace.

When we open our hearts to God the way Hannah did, everything in us that has held us captive can pour out and we can find release.

As we let go of these things, the Holy Spirit gentles us, helping us to rest in God, our true refuge. We find hope, and “hope does not disappoint us because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us” (Rom. 5:5).

One definition for hope that speaks to my heart is: to look forward to with confidence or expectation. When we bring hope, we bring life. It is life changing to finally believe again. It is more than just asking God for something we so badly need; we must expect our miracle. Somewhere in the midst of asking, believing, and expecting God to answer, we will find what we are looking for.

"I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." Ps. 27:13. It's amazing how our lives are constantly changing. That's the way life is: As long as we are living and breathing, our lives are changing. Amazing things took place the first half of this year. They are worth mentioning and worth giving thanks to God for his amazing providence: God is truly Jehovah Jirah (God is our provider) Seventeen new people adopted St. Ansgar Lutheran as their place of worship by becoming members. A dedicated young man designed and built a protector around the organ, which was much needed. A friend of the Church donated funds to help in the repairs the drive way of the church. Our photocopier which finally stopped working was replaced by a donated one. This dear saint of God stepped up to the plate after hearing about our demise and offered us one. Our “Roof Fund” is moving along steadily. Danish Ladies Aids is always there to assist us with short falls. God is good.

I have felt for a long time that the biggest problem we have in the world today is that there are so many people who have lost hope. There seems to be so many hurts, problems, sicknesses, troubles, financial woes, family problems, world issues, political concerns, etc. It seems the world has no hope. Apart from God, it is an awful, hopeless place. But with God's help, we can make it. I want you to know that whatever situation you find yourself in at this moment, there is always hope. When we pour out our misery, trials, and fears to God, we will be wrapped in grace. God pours love into our hearts and brings us healing. You may not be able to see or feel the hope, but it is there for you.

How do we find the hope? There is only one place where hope can be found, and that is in Jesus Christ. I remember growing up, our home was a place where I learned the wonderful lesson of hope. My mother demonstrated that giving does not come from a pocket full of money but from a heart full of love and a heart that believes in miracles. When the love of Jesus overflows our hearts, we can not help, but to offer it to others!

Wishing you all a marvelous summer and seize any opportunity to be a blessing and be blessed.

Together in Christ,
Pastor Samuel King-Kabu

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Roger Kenner & Jette Blair.
Content-New Topics Last Updated: 2014/03/04
St. Ansgar's Lutheran Church - Montreal