Hope, No Matter What 

(our theme for September)

Psalm 31:24  

Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord.

Our scripture for today has a very special meaning for me – one of those “real life experiences” that leaves an indelible mark.  Our focus for this month is hope.  As I read the scripture from my current Bible version of choice, I found it to be more clear.  In the New Living Translation this scripture reads “So, be strong and take courage, all you who put your hope In the Lord”.

When our son was in high school 30 years ago, he played football.  He loves football (still does as a coach) and had a close group of young men he spent lots of time with.  They practiced together, were in class together, were part of Young Life, most participated in church gatherings and Bible study.   No, they did not all attend the same church nor belong to the same denomination.  They did place a priority on their faith and their support of one another.

One Friday night, one of the players was injured during the game.  It was very concerning.  He came off the field in distress and never went back in during that game.  He was a key player, a leader, and “we needed him”.  As we parents and fans sat in the bleachers “hoping” he would be ok and “worrying” if this would end his season, we kept speaking of hope in such a faithless way.  You know, that “hope you feel better soon”, “hope your garden does well”, “hope you pass that test” – simple everyday, diluted and wistful hope.

Soon the game was over (I have no memory of whether our team won or lost) and it was time to meet our sons for a post-game prayer and pep talk. As we approached this close group of young men, we found them surrounding the injured player, their friend.  They were laying hands on him and praying together.  I must admit I had many emotions as I observed.  You see, as young men, they were faithful.  They were feeling real hope.  They were praying expectantly and with a strong desire for their friend to be ok, a very specific hope and prayer. They, indeed, were being strong and courageous, but most of all they put their faith in God.

The rest of the story is that their teammate was able to finish the season.  

However, what I often come back to is that they were praying expectantly.  They were not just flippantly “hoping”.  They put their hope in the Lord completely.  They believed God’s promises with courage and fueled by faith and hope.

I am reminded every time I say or write hope now, that there is more to that word than just a “wish”. It’s not just about wanting something to happen or be true, but it is more about the feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen with God’s help.  

God used those young men gathered in prayer that night.  He was glorified by their example and faith.  He used that moment so that we adults might witness His glory and be filled with a new, vibrant hope in Him.

Gracious and loving God,

May we see the true hope you have shared.  Allow us to see the purpose of our actions and be reminded that our courage is fueled by faith.  Help us to see our weak hope and find the true hope we claim… hope lived out as belief in your promises.  Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Lisa Blackwood.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life. 

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First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.