A Light in the Window

A Light in the Window

Susan Hoyle, pastor Trinity United Methodist Church

We use the word hope in many ways.  We hope we have ice cream for dessert, we hope we get a close parking spot when we’re late for an appointment and we hope a loved one who is sick gets better.  Even though there is a world of difference between hoping for ice cream and a loved one getting better, the meaning is similar.  Hope means we look towards something more, something better.  Human beings need hope to not only thrive, but to survive.  If we have ever felt rather hopeless, we know that the world is in shades of gray and when hope returns, the world bursts forth in color.  Hope makes all the difference in the world.

Jesus offered hope to everyone He met.  Hope to the blind man, hope to the woman who had been ill for 12 years and hope to those who thought that power and control were all that was needed in life.  Jesus continues to offer us hope through God’s Word and through God’s people. 

How does God’s hope come through us?  Let’s think about all the devastation from the tornadoes and floods.  So many of our brothers and sisters have lost everything, all their possessions, land, homes and that is nothing compared to those who have lost loved ones.  Hope may seem so far away and even unimaginable.  Yet, folks come together in prayer, special offerings and hands on work that brings a bit of hope to those who have experienced so much devastation in their lives.  Country western musicians came together at the Grand Ol’ Opry to raise funds for the Red Cross to help those devastated by the disasters.  When we come together in hope it not only touches those in need, it changes us, too.  God creates us to reach out to others.

As followers of Christ, we are to hold onto hope for others who cannot hold onto it for themselves.  We are to walk alongside them so they know they are not alone.  We are to follow in the footsteps of Jesus who helped people know that God was with them through it all.

How can we offer hope to others in Bloomfield?  Join us for a Concert for Hope on Wednesday, May 25, at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church in Bloomfield.  Area church musicians will provide an evening of beautiful music to fill our souls.  There will be a special offering for the Bloomfield Ministerial Alliance, which provides hope to those who need a little help with food, gas, rent, electric bills and other basic necessities.  We never know what our neighbors are going through in their every day lives and we can provide hope when help is needed.  Won’t you join us for a night of hope?

Trinity United Methodist Church is on Highway J, near the Golden Living Care Center.  Please call 568-3188 for more information.  See you next Wednesday!