Hope For Rescue

When you’re used to being a two car couple, when one breaks down the other suddenly becomes busier. The computer in my wife’s car went crazy and to make a long story short, I’m having a little trouble acquiring a replacement part. So, my vehicle is doubling-up to handle the workload, but it’s not like it’s a chore or anything on my part, except having to know when I’m suppose to be taking her somewhere. I guess you know my wristwatch alarm is getting a good workout. No big deal. Seems everything we have to do is right here local in town anyway. Well, I placed my faith in a company in Florida which assures me they can help me with my problem and I hope to have my wife’s car back on the road very soon. I also hope the new box of wizardry fixes my brides car.
HOPE: To desire with expectation of obtaining; To cherish a desire; To have confidence; To trust or imagine. Hope: shines when the hour is darkest; motivates when discouragement comes; energizes when the body is tired; sweetens when bitterness bites; sings when all melodies are gone; believes when evidence is eliminated; listens for answers when no one is talking. Hope: climbs over obstacles when no one is helping; endures hardship when no one is caring; smiles confidently when no one is laughing; reaches for answers when no one is asking; presses toward victory when no one is encouraging; dares to give when no one is sharing; brings the victory when no one is winning. John Maxwell from “Think On These Things”
A number of years ago researchers performed an experiment to see what effects hope would have on those undergoing hardship. Two sets of laboratory rats were placed in separate tubs of water. The researchers left one set in the water and found that within one hour they had drowned. The other rats were periodically lifted out of the water then returned. With that happening, the second set of rats swam around in the tub for more than twenty-four hours. Why? Not because they had been given a rest, but because they suddenly had hope! Those animals somehow hoped that if they could stay afloat just a little bit longer, someone would reach down and rescue them. If hope holds such power for unthinking rodents, how much greater should its effects be on our lives?
[2 Corinthians 4:13-18] v.16 “Therefore we do not lose heart (hope), but though our outer man is decaying (drowning in sin), yet our inner man is being renewed day by day (being forgiven of sin).” Most of mankind has yet to admit to being spiritual first and physical second. The physical side of man has no hope what-so-ever, because we’re all going to the grave eventually. Yet, the spirit within the body gives us a constant sense of hopelessness because it’s swimming in a sea of sin, in need of hope that someone will rescue it. We try to rescue our struggling spirit by doing “whatever feels good”, but always fail miserably. (Galatians 5:16-25) V.24 “Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Romans 6) Baptism destroys the sinful body and brings out the spiritual body that we may live anew, separated from sin. Why be baptized? V.23 “For the wages of sin is death (physically & spiritually), but the free gift of God (grace) is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Acts 2:38 & Romans 5:1-5) Baptism frees us from the slavery of sin to become slaves of righteousness. (Romans 13:11-14) You have hope in God’s eternal love. Christ will rescue you!