Thursday, March 19, 2015

Overflowing Hope

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13
 
 
Remember way back to your school days.
Not high school – grammar school.
Do you recall the science project involving baking soda, vinegar and a volcanic eruption?
You fashioned a makeshift volcano from newspaper, flour, water and a few other ingredients.
On the day of the science fair your volcano was able to erupt because you mixed the baking soda and vinegar together.
The oohs and aaahs of classmates was the only reward you needed!
That’s kinda the picture I get when I read this verse for today.
As I learn to trust in the God of Hope, He fills my life with joy and peace.
That joy and peace in me overflows with hop by the power of the Holy Spirit.
My life can impact others for Christ.
They may not ooooh and aaah like your classmates did so many years ago but, make no mistake, they are watching you.   
There is so much chaos and turmoil in the world today that the one who is filled with joy and peace in the midst of it all stands out in stark contrast to those around you.
Sooner or later someone will ask the question –
 “How do you do it, how do you remain so calm when all this is happening around you?”
That’s your cue to honor God and share the last part of the verse.
I do it by the power of the Holy Spirit in me as I trust in God.
Maybe those words are enough to scare them away for awhile
But give them time.
God’s joy and peace in you is very attractive to others and His power will draw them back.
You just keep trusting in Him!
Unlike the volcano we need not erupt all over them.
The Word says it overflows in our life.
Let it overflow out of you and others will be drawn to the God we trust in!

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