When hope is deferred

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life." Proverbs 13:12 NLT

In another blow to athletes around the world, the World Athletics Indoor Championships announced that their event scheduled for March 19-21, 2021 in Nanjing China (which was initially scheduled to be held March 13-15, 2020 but was postponed due to COVID concerns) has been postponed yet again; this time until 2023. And while the event, which is normally held every other year, will be hosted for three straight years to make up for the lost one, it surely comes as no consolation to those runners who have trained hard and waited for this moment but have had to put their dreams of winning a championship on hold. 

And you know, these athletes aren't the only ones who have had their dreams, goals and aspirations disrupted recently. Countless people everywhere are experiencing disappointment, disillusionment, depression and frustration over the events of 2020 that have put many of their plans on hold indefinitely. And you can be sure all these dashed hopes have sickened many peoples' hearts. Thankfully though, the Bible tells us that when our hope is deferred, we can and should look to Jesus Christ. You see, when you and I place our hope in Christ alone, we won't be disappointed when the hopes, desires and expectations of this life aren't fulfilled. 

So if life has you down today, I urge you to look up my friend. Things might not be going as you might have planned but that's okay. Put your hope and trust in Jesus and you will never be let down, cast down or disheartened. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that life doesn't always work out the way we planned which is a beautiful thing because it teaches us to trust in You and yield to your plan instead. Cause us to remember Lord that no matter how things look right now, You are in total control--and that when we place our total hope and trust in You, we can have total peace. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

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