Finding Hope in Our Darkest Moments

Not every day goes well. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try or how smart you think your ideas are, they do not work. The world, which is not perfect, has its say on my happiness and encouragement.

This week, I spoke at the morning prayer and worship service at the Men's Development Center downtown. Folks gave me a rousing reception—I think it must have been to cheer me up or encourage me; it certainly wasn't the quality of my (short) message on the first few verses of Revelation.

I speak at the men's center to force myself to learn from the men – to learn their stories and get to know a few of them. Like the guy today who introduced himself as Irish; he was so sunburned, I think he might have been telling me the truth. He had been with us for five days because his wife and child had thrown him out and brought him to Star of Hope to straighten out. He was addicted to something and angry, I think, but mostly trapped and without hope. Who cares for him? Only the Star of Hope cares for him. I prayed with him and felt a little embarrassed that my life had been filled with people who loved me and cared for me. Why him and not me? Why was he in Star of Hope waiting for breakfast, and I was there trying to say something good and faithful to men who had been tested to the point of breaking by the cruel world they had lived in?

As I drove to the Women and Family Development Center, I asked Jesus to spare that young man's life, to heal him and restore him as he had restored me. For reasons that I do not understand, I can't be sure that young man will respond to the gospel. I can only hug him and ask God Almighty to be merciful as he was merciful to me when I became a Christian.

I was upset the whole day because of that young man's sadness. I offered the only thing I had to him, and I prayed in Christ's name that it was enough.

I know that some people read these posts; a few have been kind enough to say you appreciate them. Thanks for the encouragement; on days like today, I need it (and so do the many people who work at Star of Hope). If you know one of our people, send them a text or an email and let them know you are praying for them – I know that they will appreciate it.