The Lessons of Hope: Together We Couldn't, Can't and Never Will

So yesterday the news broke that the Olympic committee had voted against Chicago and the United States hosting the 2016 Olympics. There was much disbelief, sadness, bitterness and frustration all around. After working so hard, waiting so long, and spending so much, all of our enormous efforts fell upon deaf ears and thankless hearts. Major celebrities and politicians went so far as to leave the country to meet with Olympic committee members, something that had rarely, if ever, happened before. Those meetings were held and some speeches were made, yet in the end Chicago was voted out in the very first round.

Regardless of what major issue our nation is facing, whether it be the economy or health care or war or even sports games, we must remember the truth. No matter which party controls the Senate and House, no matter how many conservative or liberal judges sit on the Supreme Court, no matter how many Republican or Democratic governors there are, we need to remember the truth. Whether we have an experienced, weathered, and respected commander-in-chief, or a no-name, former alcoholic, lying adulterer sitting in the Oval Office, we have to remember the truth. We say that the other political party has the answers, or that greedy corporations or tyrannical governments have it out for us, yet we must hold on to the truth:

What we must remember, what we must hold on to, what we must share is that our hopes will always be dashed when we place our hope in mankind, but we can see hope realized through our Almighty Father.

We must stop placing our hopes in political parties, a piece of legislation, or national political leaders. This does not mean that we must chant "all we need is Jesus," or stage a "Jesus for president" rally. The issues at stake are far larger than that, and more complicated than that. To simplify the matter that way is not beneficial, wise or necessary.

What we must remember, what we must hold on to, what we must share is the authority and supremacy of the Father, expressed in the saving grace of His Son on the Cross.

We see economies collapse and people starve; dictators lie and deceive and brag; criminals and pedophiles taunt and go free; wars started and finished; disasters destroy cities and kill thousands; and terrorists murder and destroy, yet in reply we always tend to pass blame onto someone or something else and call for more government control or try and get the other party elected next time.

What we must remember, what we must hold on to, what we must share is that this world can only offer depravity and hopelessnes, and how our fears can be calmed and hope satisfied by the Redeemer Messiah.

Through Him and only Him can our hopes be met.

We must remember that.



"My hope is built on nothing less,
than Jesus' blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
but wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ the solid rock I stand,
all other ground is sinking sand;
all other ground is sinking sand."
-The Solid Rock