Christmas Hope

Just a quick word to wish all of you a Merry Christmas. Thank you for visiting this blog and especially to those who are frequent visitors. Since July the C2 (Christian Squared or ChristiantheChristian) Blog has been accessed over 1,300 times (over half of which are repeat visits, or "regulars").

Also, to share a little hope for those struggling this season - as cliche as it sounds, God the Creator of all truly cares and has a plan for you. While cliche I know (mostly because of how many people say it who do not truly know God), I say it quite expectantly because of the promises I see in Scripture and two situations I've recently encountered of God redeeming "hopeless" people.

SITUATION ONE
I met a couple struggling in sin together. Without going into the details, it's sufficient to say that both were ready to walk out on each other (matter of fact, the husband did a few times, but returned). When I met with them they told me "we're done. This is our last hope before we pack it in for good." Instead of pointing fingers I challenged both to look at their marriage in a new light (to see what God thought of them and what He was doing in their marriage). They are still far from being out of the dark, but after speaking with the wife last night - things are going much better! Why? Because for the first time in their marriage they are looking at God's original design for marriage and learning to love each other selflessly.

SITUATION TWO
This one hits far closer to home because it's MY situation. I've come into several "struggling marriage" situations over the last few weeks which has given me much time to reflect on my own and how far God has brought ME. While I am no means perfect, I know the man I am today is not the same man my wife married! Rewind to the early years of our marriage and you'll see a selfish, "immortal" (so I thought), and misguided boy who thought he knew it all and was untouchable. Through a series of devastating events (mostly brought on by my own ignorant choices), friends willing to speak truth to me and a wife that is an amazing example of mercy, love and grace (all attributes she demonstrated to me, through God's strength many times) I sit back in awe of the God that constantly seeks to redeem (buy back) people through His Son Jesus Christ (see "Jesus Was an Offensive Baby" below), restore them (put them in a right relationship and standing with Him) and the USE THEM to make His name known. I never would have thought that I would be writing a blog as a ministry, serving as a youth pastor or counseling marriages - but that's the power of God! Here I sit, a changed man with a new purpose because of the God who cares and restored me!

He offers hope to the hopeless. So for those struggling this season, I assure you the morning is just around the corner. It's always hardest to trust in the midst of despair or struggle, but take a step of faith in trusting Him who redeems, restores and saves and, ultimately, desires to use YOU, too!

Merry Christmas!