Many complex and complicated devices, structures, and pieces of equipment come with a manual of instruction for operation. Unfortunately, we often say in error that there is no manual for life. In fact, there is, and our manual is the Word of God. Whether we choose to access the contents or not, it is what we need to navigate our way through this thing called life. When we look at the condition of the world today and the direction it appears to be going in, it’s no wonder that people are making the decision to give up. But giving up should not be an option for us because if we truly know who God is “that’s what you can’t do”!

I am increasingly disturbed and heavy over the escalation of suicides in our society. We are seeing a rise in the numbers of suicides in virtually every classification of mankind. The rich, the disenfranchised, the educated, the uneducated, the old, the young, and every stage of life in between, people are giving up on life. Suicide is the final stage of despair and hopelessness, but there is a process and a progression that can take place to ensnare us in the grips of hopelessness even when the finality of suicide is not contemplated.

Could it be that we have read the scriptures verse by verse but have not fully grasped the magnitude of the words so aptly written such as Isaiah 40: 31(AMP) that state “But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired.” Life seems to take us willingly or unwillingly through ebb and flow tides, highs and lows, good times and bad times. Of course, if we had the choice we would never voluntarily choose the bad experiences. But God did not offer that choice! He has purpose in everything He does.

Not so long ago, I made the choice to look at rain and even more specifically thunderstorms differently. Instead of complaining about the rain and the thunderstorms (that obviously I have no control of), I see their necessity and look forward to what will inevitably follow — sunshine and a brighter day! As much as I love the seasons of Spring and Summer and the flowers, trees, and beautiful lawns that come with it, I had to recognize that without the rain we cannot experience their beauty. Then I took it a bit further, usually when there is a thunderstorm it moves through much faster than a day of steady rain! So, the sunshine I am longing for comes much quicker!

The “storm” may be more severe, the claps of loud thunder, and the sharp strikes of lightning always accompanied by darkness are unsettling and physically cause us to be jumpy and take cover — but this too shall pass! There has never been a storm that did not come to an end! When we focus on the darkness and intensity of life’s storms to the extent that we become unable to anticipate the good that is to follow, we are expecting God to do something that He has NEVER done. God has NEVER let darkness prevail! God Himself is light! He has total control over that which we have no control over. There has NEVER been a storm that did not end. Many storms end in the magnificent display of a rainbow, which is God’s way of reminding us of His wonderful promises.

There has NEVER been a night that the dawning of a new day did not penetrate. There has NEVER been a rainy day (or even series of days) that did not cease. The hope that we must have is what will keep us alive, keep our dreams alive, and keep our faith alive! The prolific civil rights activist, The Reverend Jesse Jackson coined a phrase that became his life’s mantra and is still so pertinent to successful living . . . “Keep Hope Alive”! Hope doesn’t just come automatically, you do have to work at it. It must be more than just a temporary feeling that is present when skies are blue, and the sun is shining. It must be the desired state of being that even when darkness is present we understand that the promise of the SON/SUN prevails.

GIVING UP . . . THAT’S WHAT YOU CAN’T DO!!

Source: First Lady Denise