HOPE And A New Year

by Todd Slayton · January 10, 2015

(H)-Hanging (O)-Onto (P)-Promises (E)-Eternal

— The Lord Of Hope

This past Saturday January 3^rd2015, I ran my first race of the year. The Frozen Sasquatch is a 50K/25K trail race. I ran the 25K.

Located in Charleston, West Virginia, this trail run takes you through the beautiful mountains and valleys of the Kanawha State Forrest. Yes, it was raining on race day and the trails were extremely sloppy but God’s wonderful creation still shined through.

This was the 4^th year I have run The Frozen Sasquatch. I was climbing the first hill as the race started and I began to pray. (I encourage all of us to pray!) Praying for safety and God’s protection, I was reminded just how dependent on God I am. I am nothing without Him, although conversely I am everything because of Him! The same is for you.

My hope is that you will begin this New Year with Jesus. Let Him lead and guide you through the course of this year. It’s your first run too.

As I was running and realizing how small I am and how big He is, I knew that this New Year would restore new HOPE. Not hope that the world offers but hope that Jesus promises. The HOPE of our Savior!

Romans 15:4 says this; “Such things were written in the scriptures long ago to teach us. And the scriptures give us HOPE and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.”

Safe to say most of us are looking toward promises being fulfilled this year. Let us be encouraged and grab onto the hope of the Lord. Man can offer hope but it is laced with doubt. Often we are disappointed in man’s hope. No man can offer real genuine hope only God can supply 100% hope with no traces of doubt. Jesus is the God of HOPE!

Even if it takes a long time, doesn’t seem right or you don’t understand then continue to wait quietly before God. For your HOPE is in Him! Psalm 62:5

Spiritually You Do Have “HOPE PROMISES”

Hope To Destroy The Works Of The Devil – 1 John 3:8 “But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. BUT THE SON OF GOD CAME TO DESTROY THE WORKS OF THE DEVIL.” – YOU HAVE THAT HOPE!

Hope To Save The Lost – Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” – YOU HAVE THAT HOPE!

Hope To Heal The Sick – Acts 10:38 “And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” – YOU HAVE THAT HOPE!

Hope To Set The Captives Free – Luke 4:18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that the captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free” – YOU HAVE THAT HOPE!

As you begin this New Year or this next lap of your race, remember that God has not forgotten you. He will restore the brokenness and the seed that were sown will produce!

Back at the Frozen Sasquatch race; as I ran by the last aid station, around mile 13, I grabbed some of my favorite snacks. Snacks like Pringles, M&Ms, Trail Mix, etc… I was looking for an energy boost that could propel me that last 3 miles to the finish line. I was tired and exhausted but no way was I going to quit! The finish line was in reach!

It is such a great feeling to see that finish line and to know that the preparation in training paid off.

This year strive to start strong and finish strong… and everywhere in between grab a snack of God’s word to propel you towards your finish. No matter what this year brings, remember God is your HOPE.

God is getting ready to restore, even the years taken away from your youth. IT IS HARVEST TIME! YOU HAVE HOPE; HE IS THE GOD OF HOPE!

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