October 17, 2019
Romans 5:3-5
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
New International Version (NIV)
                In the movie called Hope Floats, a little girl weeps as her dad leaves her and her mom.  The mom finds hope in one who loves her no matter what.  On the soundtrack is a pretty song called “Feel My Love.”  Melanie and I watched it again together not long ago.  I was moved not only by the pain of broken relationship but by the hope of a new beginning.  When everything else is sinking, hope floats.

                The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome about rejoicing as he suffered.  Not that Paul liked to suffer.  He doesn’t say that.  Instead, Paul sees God’s hand at work in the suffering to produce endurance and character.  Character produces hope that never disappoints us.  Why not?  Because God’s love is always with us.  It turns out that God loved us while we were helpless, ungodly sinners.  This “no matter what” kind of love gives us hope. 

                I love Bob Dylan’s song which became the theme song of Hope Floats.  “When the wind is blowing in your face, and the whole world is on your case, I could offer you a warm embrace to make you feel my love.”  Suffering often looks like an ill wind blowing against us and everyone forsaking us.  Though we may aspire to love the way Dylan imagines, the one sure Love of our lives is God.  When the whole world walks out on us, God walks in to stay.  Hope floats and it will keep us afloat when nothing else will.
Pray with me:       
Father, forgive us for losing hope.  Restore our confidence in Christ.  Remind us that the last page of our lives has not yet been written.  Let us hope in you until you renew our strength today.  Then let us soar on wings like eagles, run and not grow weary, walk and not faint.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.  
This year our Every Day with Jesus readings will follow The Bible Project Read Scripture Plan.  Copies of this reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download 
the app at readscripture.org.  Read through the Bible with us in 2019!
Joyfully, 
Duane 
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