May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace in your faith, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope (Romans 15:13)
Grant Murphy is an active man from Seattle who does everything fast. Lazing and relaxing on the beach is not in his nature. "People even called it hyperactivity," recalls a friend.
However, multiple sclerosis hindered Grant's mobility. At first he needed crutches to get around. Then he could only sit in his chair. And finally, he was unable to get out of bed.
Towards the end of his life, he could barely speak. However, his friend remembered that "he always showed joy and gratitude, with the hope to always be in God's presence". Before he died, Grant whispered Romans 15:13 to a friend. He repeated the words "in your faith," then added, "I can do nothing now."
When we can do nothing, God does everything. Herein lies the deep paradox of the Christian experience. Faith is a combination of action based on our will and the intervention of divine power. From that amazing combination come joy, peace, and an abundance of hope.
Are you really helpless now? Your strength is gone? No other choice? When you have believed in Jesus as your Savior, God will strengthen you to keep believing. When you trust Him, He not only gives you joy and peace, but also hope when all hope is gone --Dennis De Haan
* Take from Daily Reflections