Choose Hope

CHOOSE HOPE!

In general I like Pastor Pete Wilson’s writing style, and this book “Let Hope In: 4 Choices That Will Change Your Life Forever” (W Publishing Group, 2013) just makes me hope that he keeps writing.

All of us have those moments when we wonder just what it is that we’re supposed to be doing or learning, and sometimes those moments seem overwhelming. We wonder how we can possibly be of any use to anyone, how we can serve, how God can use us in our brokenness.  And then Pete helps us to realize that “The Bible is a story about broken people, and God’s choice to love them anyway.

This book is about making choices that allow us to experience hope. It’s not a deep theological scholarly tome; it’s an account of a pastor encouraging a member of his congregation or a man walking along side a friend during dark time. It’s the encouragement you may be missing in your life, and which is now available to you.

Hope is a funny thing. In matters of the world it can be fleeting and ephemeral. It’s that emotional turmoil when we’re waiting for the numbers to be drawn for the mega-millions Powerball lottery; it’s the time between the job interview and the notification that you got (or didn't get) the job. It’s sitting by the phone hoping that the latest crush will call. It’s the hours in the hospital waiting room, hoping beyond hope that everything will be all right.

And then there is the hope that Christians experience, the hope that is available to everyone that believes. And it has nothing to do with lottery tickets, jobs, a love life, or even medical things. It’s a hope in the promises of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Pete offers 4 concepts that are striking for their simplicity. I was reminded of the Old Testament account of Naaman who was told by Elisha to bathe seven times in the Jordan River. It seemed so simple that he was offended; he wanted something more complex and costly - something extravagant befitting his position in the world. Pete’s suggestions are simple, but not that easy. Remember that people without hope can’t always see beyond the very present current reality. Asking them to choose to change the way they look at something may be difficult.

But at the foundation, these concepts are simple choices. First we can choose to transform or to transfer. Next we can choose to be okay with not being okay; thirdly we can choose to trust rather than please, and last we can choose to free people rather than hurt them.

Four simple choices that help us deal with our past, accept our present, learn to trust God, and be able to forgive those that have hurt us. Let hope in, you’ll be glad you did!

No FTC disclaimer necessary since I bought this book.