Presenting ...
... a weekly letter of encouragement.
18 June, 1997 - Singapore
Good Morning!
ON NOT LOOSING HOPE: "The tragedy of man is not
that he dies, but what dies within him while he still lives."
- Albert Schweitzer
Some years ago, the wife of a close friend walked out on the
marriage, leaving the husband with their four children, all
under 10 years of age. When this catastrophe struck, he had just
completed his Ph.D., and was embarking upon a promising teaching
career at a prestigious university. Desperate now for help in
raising his children, he found it necessary to relinquish his
position and return to the city of his parents to enlist their
assistance.
Early one morning before driving his u-haul truck of household
goods the 1400 hundred miles north, he stopped by to say
good-bye. It was painfully obvious that he was deeply crushed
by the desertion of his wife, and the uncertain future awaiting
him. So we talked, wept, and prayed... and finally bid farewell.
And as he climbed into the cab of the truck with his four small
children he looked down, eked out a smile, and said, "Well
Dwight, I still have HOPE." As his vehicle disappeared
from sight I was reminded of the words penned by St. Paul:
"We...rejoice in our sufferings,
because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance,
character; and character, HOPE. And
HOPE does not disappoint us, because God has poured out
his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given
us." (Romans
2:2b-5)
Today, eight years later, my friend and
his clan are doing beautifully. The children give every evidence
of maturing spiritually and socially into responsible adults.
Recently he was appointed the head of his department in a respected
institution of higher learning.
With the sparkle back in his eyes, it
is apparent that he is experiencing God's promise that "HOPE
does not disappoint us..."
So what do you do when the bottom falls out of your
life?
- Allow that which lies within you to die while you are still alive? Or
- Choose to place your HOPE in the character and promises of God?
"Why are you downcast,
O my soul?...Put your HOPE in God, for I will
yet praise Him, my Savior and my God...'For I know the plans
I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you HOPE and a future.'"
(Psalm 43:5;Jeremiah 29:11)
My prayer is that you are having a great
week!
Dwight Hill
Dwight Hill
- 1 Coleman Street #02-34
The Adelphi - Singapore 0617 .
- Phone: 337 6498; Fax: 336 9913
(c) Copyright 1996 Dwight Hill. Unlimited permission to copy or use is hereby granted subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.
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