Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live without Hope? Without Hope for tomorrow, without Hope for eternal life. I pray my words will be of some consolation to you in the wake of all the difficulties life throws at us.
God sent Jesus to walk among men and to die on the cross. Because of Jesus’ life and death there is Hope for all who believe. The empty cross is a constant reminder there is Hope in a world of despair.
I would like to share two stories about Hope. The first is about a Social Security guard and me. The second is about a brother’s response to a sister in need of emotional support.
The first story: God wants to use us to give all those in need His special gift of Hope. It was a Friday afternoon and I had just finished exercising. I was in sweatpants, had tennis shoes on and I was wearing my favorite Notre Dame sweatshirt. I was sweating and I know it will be hard for some of you to believe but my hair was a little messed up. I needed to go down to the Social Security office that afternoon to clear up a dispute about my Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Medicare insurance.
As I entered the reception area there were over 30 people waiting and it was approximately 4:00 p.m., just 30 minutes before they closed. A security guard happened to be sitting at the entrance and he motioned me to the computer. With his help I obtained a number—which was called in about 15 minutes. I was somewhat surprised because most of the people in front of me were still waiting as my number was called.
After I finished talking to the personnel about my situation, I started to leave the office. For some reason the security guard followed me, which I felt was strange. About the moment I was to get into my van he said, “Sir, can I talk to you about something?” I thought maybe he had overheard me talking about go-kart racing. That, however, was not what he wanted to talk about. This is what he said: “From the minute you rolled into the Social Security office, I knew that you were special and that you were different. And whatever makes you special and different I want.” At first I thought he was kidding but quickly I could see in his eyes, he was serious. His face was very stern looking and he had tears in his eyes.
Because of his look I said, “There are two things that make me special and different. The first thing is you have to believe in yourself. You have to believe that there is nobody better than you because if you don’t believe this, nobody else will either.”
Then he asked, “What’s the second part?”
I said, “The second part is the most important. You have to ask Jesus to be your savior. If you do, God will walk by your side every second of your life. He’ll carry you as far as the road travels. If you believe in Him, your whole life will be different too. He’s there for you, as He is for me. You just have to believe.”
He looked at me as tears were running down his cheek. He proceeded to tell me that nothing was right in his life. Everything was falling apart. He said he just did not want to go on living and then he noticed me. As we departed he said he now knew what he needed to do—believe in himself and ask God to be his savior. We then departed, with tears in our eyes, and we never got each other’s names.
On that Friday afternoon God used me to instill Hope in one of His children in trouble. Neither one of us would ever be the same. God had touched our hearts each in a different way. Reminding both of us that because of Him there is always Hope.
The second story is about a brother responding to his sister’s call for help. There is Hope throughout this story. The e-mail containing this story was sent to me, and I want to share it. I hope it touches your heart as much as it did mine.
Dear Sis:
I spoke with Mom today and I believe I called her a few minutes after she hung up with you. She explained to me that you’re really struggling with this health thing that has been plaguing you and that you have been feeling really stressed out.
I can relate to how you feel, Sis. Amy always tells me that I’m very good at stressing myself out, and I know it is one of my strengths (actually a weakness). I get stressed out with work (which on its own has been enough to make me lose all my hair by the age of 30), our finances, the children’s behavior, am I being a good father?, am I being a good husband?, I need to move the family out of this area, where are the children going to go to school, am I saving enough money for their college (the answer to that is no), am I saving enough money for retirement. Those are the questions/issues that are always at the forefront of my mind and then on top of that I create these lists of “to do’s” for myself for things that “need” to be done around the house. I know as I’m making these lists that there is no way I’m going to accomplish all (or in reality any) of these items. But yet I continue to make the lists and leave them in prominent places so I can be reminded of how far behind I am. Amy is always telling me to slow down and enjoy the day or to just sit down and play with the boys. My initial reaction to her is “You want me to slow down? Do you see how far behind I am? If I can just get ahead today, I’ll make time to play with the children tomorrow.”
But in reality, Amy is usually right. Life is so short and worrying about things doesn’t help one bit. I know that is an easy thing to say, and actually living it is difficult. The one place that I turn to that always gives me peace when I’m struggling with stress is GOD and the Bible. The following verse is one of my favorite verses of the Bible:
Jesus looked at them (his disciples) and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. With GOD everything is possible.” Mathew 19:26
I literally have that verse as my background on my work computer so when I get really stressed at work and begin to think “There is no freaking way I’m going to be able to get this all done,” I remember that I’m not going to do it all by myself. GOD is on my side! The rest of the world doesn’t stand a chance!
I have a post-it note taped up on our fridge at home that says: Don’t ever think to yourself “I don’t think I can do this or I can’t handle this” because if that were true, GOD wouldn’t let it happen.
Another one of my favorite Bible verses is Jeremiah 29:11:
“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
You aren’t alone with all that you are struggling with. Jesus wants to help you. With all the love that Jesus has for you, do you really think He wants you to feel the way you are? The funny thing is, though, you have to ask Him for help first.
Isaiah 65:24: Even before they call out to me, I will answer them. While they are still speaking, I will hear them.
Sometimes GOD uses hard times or struggles to get our attention (He’s done it with me). He wants us to turn toward Him so He can show us His glory. May I suggest something that I’ve done and I know will work for you: Get down on your knees and give your burden to Jesus on a daily basis. He’s ready and willing to take it; we just need to be unselfish and let Him take it.
I love you Sis and am praying that you will allow GOD to show you His glory!
Love,
Bill
So my friends, if you’re a physician who is paralyzed, a security guard searching for meaning in life or a brother responding to your sister’s call for help, there is Hope because of Jesus. There’s Hope because of the cross and the empty tomb—not only for today, and tomorrow, but for all eternity. You just need to believe.
Psalm 55:16-18:
“But I call to God, and the LORD will save me.
Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and He hears my voice.
He redeems my soul in safety from the battle that I wage, for many are arrayed against me”.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Love,
David
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Dr. Wolf.
Wonderful stories you have shared with us today.
Sharon Mahon
Happy Thanksgiving Dr. Wolf.
Wonderful stories to share with all of us !
You’ve got what it takes.
Sharon Mahon
Dear Sharon,
Thank you for reading my message on HOPE. I hope it was an inspiration to you on this Thanksgiving Day. Thank you for following. Take care m friend
Dr. Wolf
Thank you so much for the wonderful words of wisdom as usual, and thank you for thinking of me and sharing it. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and the best Christmas season.
Love
Judy Lyles
Dear Judy,
Thank you for reading my message on Thanksgiving Day. I am grateful I can call you one of my friend. I hope you are doing well. My book should be out by mid 2013
Dr. Wolf
Dr. Wolf – what a wonderful Thanksgiving treat to read your blog today. We don’t have Thanksgiving in England but I think it is a day we should adopt. I hope one day I get to meet you – you are such an inspiration (and yes I think your hair is perfect!!)
Dear Josephine
I hope all is well this Thanksgiving Day. I appreciate your kind words. I hope my book is out by mid 2013.
God Bless you.
Dr. Wolf
Dr. Wolf,
Thank you for sending these stories of faith. Happy Thanksgiving and God Bless you and your family.
Love,
Cindy Davis
Dear Cindy,
Thank you for your special words. I hope you are having a great Thanksgiving Day.Do you know if a recording was made of my talk at your church. I hope your Pastor is doing well.
Love, Dr. Wolf
Dear David,
Yes! We are blest because of Christ Jesus. He is the greatest gift of all.
Thank you for sharing your heartfelt stories.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and Anita.
Connie and Richard
Dear Connie, Thank you for your special words on this Thanksgiving Day. We all have so much to be thankful for. Hope is there for all who BELIEVE.
Take care my friend.
David
David,
Because God has passed the torch to men like you, there is light in the world–hope for the journey. Keep shining, my friend. You have been a great inspiration in my life. While the world gets darker, we will continue to follow the light from God’s torch-bearers, like,you, who keeps hope alive. Great blessings to you and Anita.
All the best,’
Jan
Dear Jan, Thank you for your special words. You will always have a special place in my heart. My book is in the hands of a copy editor. I hope 2013 is the year for THE GIFT IS YOU!!
Love, David
Thank you Dr.Wolf for sharing these stories of faith, hope and love. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
~Love, Patricia 🙂
Dear Pat, Thank you for reading my message and for your comments. I hope all is well with you. My book should be out in 2013.
Love, Dr. Wolf
Dr. Wolf,
Thanks for the inspiration on how we can share with others.
Diane
Dear Diane, Thank you for reading my message and for your special words. I admire your steadfast faith.
Love, David
Dr. Wolf, Your blog has given me hope! I think God put you in my path this day. I asked him to show me the way , and there was your uplifting message. Thank You, God Bless You, I truely miss you!! Julie Costello
Dear Julie, It was so good to hear from you. I miss our conversations. I am glad my words were an inspiration to you.Please continue to follow. I hope your Mother and sister are well.
Dr. Wolf
Hi Dr. Wolf, Thanks for your inspiration, you certainly are a dedicated man with a positive attitude. I always feel better after talking to you or about you, & listening to your CD.
God Bless,
Diane
Dear Diane, I hope all is well with you. Thank you for your special words. I think of you often. I hope your daughter is doing well.
Dr. Wolf
Hello Dr. Wolf:
Your message could not have come at a better time. A coworker of mine has recently been diagnosed with cancer and the prognosis is not good. Similar to the security guard in your story, she will find strengh and hope, if she will just put her trust in our Lord, Jesus Christ. I am passing along your message of hope to her; praying that she will be comforted by the power of your message. Glad all is well with you. Shalom….
Dear Terri, It is so good to hear from you. I am glad my words were an inspiration to you. I think of you frequently and how kind you always were to me. Take care my friend. Dr. Wolf
Dr. Wolf,
Thank you for sharing these stories. These two stories about hope has given me the hope I once knew but lost somewhere along the line.
I fully believe with all my heart that God was speaking to me the morning you were weighing heavily on my mind, to lead me to your wonderful, uplifting, and spiritual blog.
May God continue to work through you to guide others to salvation.
Lisa
Dear Lisa, Thank you for sharing. I am glad my words were of some help to you.
God Bless you and MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Dr. Wolf