We Have A Hope - Blessed Hope, #1

"We Have a Hope Within Our Souls" is a popular hymn that we often sing during the devotion portion of our Sunday morning services. It's more than just a song; it's a personal testimony set to music, just like many old hymns and spirituals. That's why we cherish them so much. They reflect our struggles, triumphs, Jesus' unbounded love, and God's immutability. Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever." This is my story, a tale of loss, suffering, redemption, salvation, and ongoing victory that I believe people need to hear, given the state of this fallen world. In telling this story, I use scriptural references from the KJV Bible.
while some may find them difficult to follow, I hope that with the help of the Holy Spirit and in the context of the story, even someone who has never read the Bible before will understand them. So don't let fear hinder you from trying, God can open your understanding, he did it for me 18 years ago and continues to do so to this day.  This collection chronicles my journey from the pit of despair and helplessness as a young man of 18 without hope or direction to where I am today, a man of God at age 59 with a wife, 8 children, and 10 grandchildren. Walking in the light of God's love and sitting in heavenly places with Christ Jesus and the Saints of God.
The pilgrimage wasn't easy, and in times past I thought I might give up and go back, but what was there to go back to except more heartache, pain, and disappointment? The enemy of my soul would love to have me turn my back on God and serve him instead, but isn't that where I was when God found me?   As much as I wanted to I didn't think I would ever write this book, but God is faithful. I believe he's leading me to share my testimony with as many as would hear it.
There are 3 parts to this tale: "We Have a Hope, " "Among the Thorns, " and "Reclamation & Reconciliation." None will be lengthy, as I have led a simple but eventful life thus far. However, with God's help, I will endeavor to give you the complete picture of how God took me from the lost, lonely shell of a man I was to the grateful, content, purpose-filled husband, father, and grandfather I am today.