Day 8 - Against the Odds - Hope in Christ

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"23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 6:23 (NIV)

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Five years ago, my life changed forever. After having surgery on my hip, and practically making a full recovery, I experienced searing pain. Over the course of a week, I went from walking around the Marine Drive, in Scarborough to being bedridden. Without the use of crutches, I could not walk.

As a young Christian this challenged me beyond anything I had experienced before. The challenge wasn't necessarily in knowing God's word, but rather realising that there was nothing there. I knew what the Bible said. I knew what should comfort me - but it didn't. I realised that my faith was hollow. Regurgitated verses from a book I knew very well but in fact didn't 'know' at all. I questioned everything. Fundamentally though, it all boiled down to one simple grievance:

How could God, the all-loving, all-powerful Father I had read about let me go through this pain? With a click of fingers, couldn't He 'fix' me?

Inevitably, I questioned the very existence of such a being.

Surely one man hadn’t conned a vast majority of the world’s population into believing a lie?

In his letter to the church in Philippi, Macedonia, Paul, who was Saul writes of his undying hope in Christ. With this reassurance, and the last thread of faith, I literally stepped out in hope. Don’t get me wrong, it was the hardest thing I have ever done, but I now walk, run, and cycle. All things, that in my strength, would be impossible for me to do.

Many people believed that because I had a “David and Goliath” moment – one of visibly seeing God at work – I had an unshakeable faith. This was not and is not the case. I still have many questions. Like everyone, I have good days and bad days, days of absolute faith and days of temptation, days of hope and days of loss, but through it all I come back. There is one thing I know to be true Christ is the Son of God and as it says in Romans, offers us the gift of eternal hope and sure enough, like the prodigal son, each time I stray or fall away, the Father welcomes me with open arms.

I am sure, I am not the only one who has gone through, or is going through pain. Whether that be physical, mental or spiritual. You may feel broken. The odds might seem stacked against you. But remember this - in your deepest need, He is there. Whether you want Him or not, He will wait. So, even against the odds - hope in Christ.

Reflect today: What things are in your life that cause you pain? This Christmas, maybe you could prepare yourself to leave this pain at the foot of the manger? Maybe you could take this pain and, instead of letting it consume you, give it to God and let Him make something beautiful from it?

Dear Lord,

It is not easy. We hurt so much. We collect so much pain, it begins to consume us. Please help us with what we are struggling with. We don't want to do it by ourselves. This Christmas I just that you take this pain and turn it into something beautiful for your will. Help me to eternally hope in Christ. When I slip away, as I inevitably will, please just give me a gentle reminder. I pray for all those who are also struggling, please be with them like you are with me. Ease their hearts I pray.

Amen

*Today's Blog included excerpts from my project book - 'The Promised Land'*