I read an account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.  The author spoke of how Jesus identifies with us in every area of life.  And that death and grief are no exceptions.  Scripture instructs us not to grieve as those who have no hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (HCSB) 13 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. 14 Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep through Jesus. There are situations other than death that cause us to grieve. I am ashamed because many times I have conducted myself as one who has no hope.  When Moses stood at the Red Sea, he was the only one who had hope; he was the only one who believed that God would deliver his people.  What did the Israelites do at the Red Sea?  The same thing they did from the time they left Egypt until the time they entered the Promised Land:  they complained and moaned and groaned and gave up. The Scriptures are full of promises for us to claim.  They are full of examples of people who overcame impossible odds.  Believers are to be a people who have hope when no one else does.  We are to be a people who KNOW – not hope  - that God is in control; therefore, there is no need to fear or despair. Psalms 31:24 (HCSB) 24 Be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord. Those of us who hope in the Lord are to be strong and courageous.  Not in our own strength, but because we KNOW the character of God.  We know He cannot fail – not will not fail, but CANNOT fail.  We can show the fruit of the Spirit in spite of our circumstances because we KNOW the God of our Salvation; we Believe in His Character and His reputation.  We can stand firm because we KNOW we belong to Him; He is our friend and our Rock of refuge. Was there a time in your life when your hope rested in the Lord, but now you aren’t so sure?  You can revive that hope.  You begin by asking God to renew your hope by creating within you a passion for Him.  Then you immerse yourself in the Word and the things of God.  Read books, listen to tapes, surround yourself with Christian friends and influences, take walks and talk to God, start a journal of things that you are thankful for. A renewed passion isn’t something you pray for and have to say, “If it is your will.”  God desires to be the passion of your life – your consuming focus in every area of your life:  physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, relational, financial… **Lord Jesus, there was a time in my life when I realized that I had left my first love:  you were no longer the passion of my life.  I prayed and asked you to become the passion of my life, my best friend, the center of every thought and decision.  You answered that prayer.   I know that I am always only several decisions away from losing that passion.  Please, guide my day.  Fill my thoughts and heart.  Show me Your Will and Your Way and empower me to follow.  And my friends that are reading this website – please, give them a passion and a strength to follow you with all of their hearts.  Amen.