On the Hawaiian island of Molokai is a statue of Father Damien. He was the priest who spent his life helping lepers on the leper colony on island. No one wanted to be stationed there permanently. This was back when there was no cure for leprosy and people shunned them, to the point that they were exiled to their own island. When you were sent there, it might as well have been a death sentence. People here were just waiting to die.
But Father Damien brought hope to the residents. Just his being there was a powerful testimony. He was telling them that they mattered and that he would stay with them. What a powerful witness for the Lord. On the statue, these words are inscribed: From the heart of despair springs forth hope. He was so beloved by the Hawaiians that his statue is one of only two that represent the state in statutory hall in Congress.
Some of us are trapped in our own 'leper colonies'. We are feeling helplessness and despair. For some of us it could be a financial situation. Perhaps getting laid off or having a difficult time making ends meet. For others it could be a medical situation, with your health or the health of a loved one. For others it could be relational, trouble with relations with your family or a friend. Whatever it is, be encouraged that you are not walking through this alone. We all have our father Damien in Jesus our Lord who said He will never forsake us. Be encouraged by the words of the Apostle Paul who encouraged the Romans with these words: : May the God of hope fill you with peace, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
But Father Damien brought hope to the residents. Just his being there was a powerful testimony. He was telling them that they mattered and that he would stay with them. What a powerful witness for the Lord. On the statue, these words are inscribed: From the heart of despair springs forth hope. He was so beloved by the Hawaiians that his statue is one of only two that represent the state in statutory hall in Congress.
Some of us are trapped in our own 'leper colonies'. We are feeling helplessness and despair. For some of us it could be a financial situation. Perhaps getting laid off or having a difficult time making ends meet. For others it could be a medical situation, with your health or the health of a loved one. For others it could be relational, trouble with relations with your family or a friend. Whatever it is, be encouraged that you are not walking through this alone. We all have our father Damien in Jesus our Lord who said He will never forsake us. Be encouraged by the words of the Apostle Paul who encouraged the Romans with these words: : May the God of hope fill you with peace, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
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