The Hope of New Life – by Laura Urista

“Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).

My husband and I (also known as “Pops” and “Gaga”) are celebrating the recent birth of our daughter Tawny’s (and son-in-law James’) first child – our third grand-daughter! We’ve previously been blessed with two grand-daughters (ages seven and two-and-a-half) from our son and daughter-in-law. Pardon my personal reflection, but of course the addition of a new baby to a family brings so much joy and hopeful anticipation!  I am sure many of you have experienced your own times of joy, hope and new birth!

New life is always a cause for celebration and hope for the future. New life in Christ gives each of us hope beyond all the bad news to be found in this world. Sometimes I wonder what kind of a world our three little grand-daughters will grow up in, the way things are going!

If you watch, read or listen to the news much, it seems like there is nothing to be hopeful about. Evil is rampant and unchecked. It seems many people have lost all sense of compassion, respect or basic human decency – treating each other like so much useless trash to be destroyed and tossed away. 

Mass-shootings seem to be a near-daily occurrence, becoming so commonplace that we tend to become numb to the tragic loss of life incurred each time. Maybe it’s because we are increasingly bombarded with bad news on all sides. Maybe it’s a subconscious defense mechanism that helps us cope with an overload of despair.

Bringing Hope to a Hopeless World

This is why the ministry of CWR/PTM is so important to many people around this world! Through our combined involvement in CWR/PTM, we are helping to bring Christ-centered hope to a world that is increasingly hopeless. The hope we are collectively involved in sharing goes beyond our human, physical, temporary circumstances. This hope sustains, energizes and encourages us when life becomes difficult to bear.

Our hope rests in the confidence that God desires to restore us to wholeness through a loving relationship with him. Our hope claims the ultimate victory over the trials of this life, as Paul wrote in Romans 8:18, the signature quotation above: “Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

Hope in Christ transforms the quality of our lives, because we recognize the presence of God working in our daily lives. Beyond working in our daily lives, this hope gives us the encouragement and vision to look forward to spending eternity with God. We don’t simply hope that Christ will save us, but we can have confidence that JESUS CHRIST IS THE HOPE who certainly will save us as he has promised.

What a blessing it is to know, understand and share this hope found in our new life in Christ! Your involvement in CWR/PTM is crucial in helping to provide hope and encouragement to so many around the world. Here are just a few notes of thanks from people who have been blessed by this ministry:

I am so filled with joy and anticipation each month to open my mail box and receive the Plain Truth magazine, the CWR magazine and the monthly letters. You are such wonderful people filled with words of encouragement and inspiration. You ignite my hope and faith in Christ Jesus. Thank you so much for sharing your gifts and talents. – Texas

Thanks for all of your resources (printed and on-line). They are very much appreciated and very helpful and uplifting. I pray that God will continue to bless your efforts in spreading his Good News! – Ontario, Canada 

We are so thankful for your teaching about God’s love, and we pray for you and for everyone involved with PTM. – Puerto Rico

It’s such a blessing to receive your monthly letters and magazines. Your ministry renews my mind and gives me so much encouragement. God bless your great work of spreading the gospel all over the world. My prayers are with all of you at PTM. – Louisiana

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We have posted many more comments like these on our website, representing a small fraction of the letters, emails and phone calls we receive thanking the team here at CWR/PTM. We couldn’t do this work the way we do without the support many provide through prayers and donations. If you haven’t already donated to CWR/PTM, please consider doing so. If you have donated, THANK YOU for the valuable part you play in bringing hope to others through the ongoing work of CWR/PTM.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

Laura Urista is Managing Editor and Vice-President of CWR/PTM.

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