Different Time but Same Agenda

Scripture:  Hebrews 10:23 – Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

During the era of slavery in America, it was common for a master to whip a slave and force the other slaves to watch; and it was not strange to see a slave soon after childbirth be thrown back out to the field to work.  Oh, the horrors of slavery.  The United States commemorates the history of African Americans in the month of February.  When studied, many African Americans endured the severe oppression by holding tightly to their faith in God.  In the little leisure time they were given, they sang songs, prayed prayers and recalled stories of the Holy Scriptures.  They encouraged themselves in the things of God to build their faith and hope.  But wait a minute!!  How could they grasp a concept like faith and hope during such a grim time?  

Faith and Hope are unique words, in that they can bring us to places or spaces that everyone may not be able to readily venture.  In I Hebrews 11, faith is described as the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not yet seen.  Hope is used in the definition of Faith; and rightly so.  Hope helps us, as believers, to use our faith in the Lord Jesus to live past the current time and reach for the prize of better times.  

Prayer:  Lord, we thank You for the African American’s advancement and progress; We thank You that You are able to do exceedingly and abundantly above what we could ask or think.  We see how You moved an oppressed people towards hope and faith in You, despite the evil times.  You are True and never failing.  Help us to have a peace concerning Your Sovereignty; For You are God; and You will never leave us nor forsake us.  We thank You that we can trust and cling to Romans 8:28, all things work for the good of them that love you and who are the called according to Your purpose!!  In Jesus’ Name-Amen!

(by Lisa Williams)