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4th December 2007

The Hand of Hope

2 days ago, as I prayed within my mind in the early hours (3am) using an unknown tongue (not out loud) and engaging my mind with Scriptures on the Holiness of God (something I've learn't to do to maintain my attention), I felt a hand touch my right hand. I could not see anything, but the hand had slender fingers (like a "pianist" is how I would describe them - if there is such a thing as "piano-fingers".) There was no fear as I then held unto this hand. Our fingers interlocked and a jolt of electricity went through my right hand, migrating up my right arm and then throughout my entire being.

I felt a great calm and awe as I knew that the hand had appeared to comfort me, that the Lord had sent His angel. I sensed the word "Hope".

This experience lasted a few minutes and then the hand was gone. Lying silently bewildered after the event, I gave glory to our God for His power and strength He provides within and to His people.

Brothers and Sisters, there is uncertainty in every "world" we find ourselves - the personal, the familial, the financial, the political, the ecclesiastical. We seem to be at our wit's end just trying to cope with everything; the times may seem very dire spiritually in the Church; the Nations size themselves up and then retreat (the recent Iran-backtrack by USA a case in point. Is that a calm before the storm?). Everything is being shaken. But after everything falls through judgement: HOPE remains.

This we must therefore do:

I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.
For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasure forevermore. (Psalm 16:7-11. KJV)

And then again:

For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.
Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground;
Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.
But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he?
As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up:
So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.
O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me.
If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. (Job 14:7-14. KJV)

Be strong and of good courage, that change WILL COME.

But... we must love not our lives (self, flesh, soul and even body) unto the death. (Rev 12:11)

Tony