In preparation for the holidays, our family regularly contributes to Angel Tree’s, food boxes for the less fortunate, as well as supplying needs for homeless shelters. There is no shortage of needs to be met, and more people than ever need hope.
I well remember times in my life when I was uncertain if I would get another job after being laid off, how I would pay an unexpected bill … you may have experienced the same. As I was visiting a shelter recently, I saw single mothers with their children seeking a place to sleep, a hot meal to eat, a place to get a new set of shoes and socks. What amazed me was the happiness I saw in some of them when you supplied needs we consider so basic. I think they felt hope when someone recognized them and knew that somebody cared. Then I read a story about Nick Yarris.
Nick Yarris had a happy childhood for about 5 years before he was brutally attacked by a teenage boy, leaving him brain damaged. As a young man he became heavily influenced by alcohol and drugs. He was accused of a crime he did not commit. His life went from bad to worse while on trial. He eventually was convicted and spent many years on death row, all for a crime he did not commit. He was surrounded by guards who abused him. He lived 24/7 with the feeling that no one cared.
Yet what’s so remarkable about Yarris’ life is his indomitable belief in the power of goodness. Although he fully expected to die on death row, this did not stand in the way of his belief that there was a great deal of goodness in the world. Instead of groveling in his cell despondently, Yarris decided to take the path of self-development; he spent virtually all his time reading and writing. He was trying to better himself because he thought it was possible. He saw huge scale suffering on a daily basis, but never lost hope that there was still a moral purpose to his life.
It was DNA testing that ultimately proved Yarris’ innocence. Once acquitted, Yarris was not bitter about his time on death row, but instead took pride in knowing that he did no harm to anyone while there. It challenged him in every way possible and made him infinitely compassionate. Once released, Yarris wrote inspirational books about his experience and campaigns against the death penalty. He is a public speaker who advocates to make the best out of everything, and that there is always hope.
There are plenty around us who need hope to keep going. There seem to be so many hurts, problems, sicknesses, troubles, financial woes, family problems, world issues, political concerns, etc. It seems the world has no hope. Those who are hopeless and alone usually cannot help themselves out of their situations. They have a great sense of loss and helplessness. Christians are called to walk alongside and bring the good news of Jesus Christ to them and work with others to provide their needs. Scripture says in John 10:10, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
A good definition for hope is to look forward with confidence or expectation. Sharing what God has done for you with all its hope to someone who does not God becomes real to them. When we bring hope, we bring life. It is life-changing to finally believe again. It is more than just asking God for something we so badly need; we must expect our miracle. Somewhere in the midst of asking, believing, and expecting God to answer, we will find what we are looking for.
We do not need to be disappointed and feel alone. We can have hope! God’s love in our hearts can ignite the flames of hope in someone else’s heart. God’s Word can encourage us as we soak it in with great anticipation and faith. This is where hope is found.
Debby Efurd is co-founder of Cary John Efurd Ministries of Pittsburg, TX. She has been a contributor to Bound for Life and written numerous articles published in LifeNews, Christian Post and the Baptist Standard, and is the author of Go Tell It! Debby can be contacted at caryjohnefurdministries@gmail.com.
Tagged: God’s love, hope, purpose and calling
