A TASTE OF HOPE

A TASTE OF HOPE

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” – Psalm 34:8

Who doesn’t love a complimentary, savory canapé before the meal at a fine restaurant, or a bountiful tray of tasty, beautiful appetizers at a party?  They serve as delicious invitations to dinner guests, whetting the appetite and stirring up anticipation for the main course to follow.

More than once I have asked a party hostess for recipes at the end of the night.  Once I taste something wonderful, I want to repeat the experience and share it with others.

As the Body of Christ, we are sent into the world to similarly whet appetites. Merely spending time in His presence, our lives take on the fragrance of Christ, and when we live in obedience, that lovely fragrance grows.  It is the aroma of hope and salvation that draws the hungry and homeless to come home and be filled.

“Imitate God, since you are the children he loves. Live in love as Christ also loved us. He gave his life for us as an offering and sacrifice, a soothing aroma to God.” –Ephesians‬ ‭5:1-2‬ ‭GW‬‬

A quick scan of the headlines, and it is easy to see a world languishing in hopelessness.  Our lives may not be perfect, but within us we carry a great treasure and a precious hope—the very same hope that millions, at this very moment, are longing to find.

They may look well-fed in the outside, but on the inside, they scrounge for crumbs, longing to satisfy the gnawing ache in their soul for hope, peace, forgiveness and unconditional love.  They hunger for meaning in a life that feels meaningless.  While they may always suspect that there is something more than crumbs to fill them, without us, they may never find it.

This truth begs questions —when those around us taste of our lives, do they detect hope, peace, forgiveness and unconditional love? If they ask for our recipe, are we prepared to share it with them (1 Peter 3:15)?

Father, transform the flavor of our lives to be an enticing invitation for the hungry to come to Your table (Luke 14:13).  Soften our hearts with compassion, that we would offer them a saving taste of hope. Show us where we have taken it upon ourselves to add our own ingredients while leaving others out. Take us back to Your original recipe — the recipe that draws the hungry for more of You, not more of us. And may we lead them to Your table, that every heart and every seat may be filled.  In Jesus’ Name ❤️

If you have been encouraged or challenged, please repost and further His kingdom!
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