Looking Forward with Hope

Posted on April 1, 2017 by Jen Vogel

On the first day of spring, March 20, 2017, I finally removed the pumpkins and gourds that were artfully arranged in the planters outside my front door. Purchased from the local pumpkin farm and put in place for Thanksgiving 2016, they have been an unexpected source of delight throughout the fall and winter months. Snow-covered pumpkins are, actually, quite beautiful!

Now, I look at the empty planters, and the bare dirt, and anticipate what they may look like this spring and summer. Do I dread what I may see in these planters? No! I look forward with hope. I anticipate beauty, color, and life!

When you look at the current landscape of your circumstances and contemplate the future, what emotions spring from your heart and mind? This is my prayer for you. 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 NIV)

Recently, our Alliance family was reminded that we are Good News people. Thanks, Peter Burgo, for your excellent editorial in the March/April 2017 Alliance Life magazine. Peter writes, “We are neither harbingers of doom nor purveyors of deceit. We are the good news people.” Yes! May we once again be filled with all joy and peace as we trust in God. You can read the entire editorial here.

In May, our Alliance family will gather for Council 2017 in Columbus, OH. I hope to meet many of you there, particularly at the Women’s Global Gathering scheduled for Saturday, June 3, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Do you need a fresh infusion of hope? Come see what God is doing in and through His people – here at home and around the world.

Whatever your circumstances – whether your life looks like an empty planter waiting to be filled or a cluttered mess needing some attention – look up to the One Who can fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, and look forward with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

God bless!