Hold On

"Hold on, help is on the way."

"Please hold."

"Holding on by a thread."

The phrase "hold on" has a variety of meanings like: to hold firmly, to stop and wait as if waiting for further instructions, to hold a phone line open, and to retain possession of.

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us hold on to grace. By it, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.
Hebrews 12:28-29 HSCB

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 HCSB

Test everything. Hold on to the good.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 NIV

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:12 NKJV

Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23 HCSB

In researching "hold on" in scripture the definitions all have similar meanings:

to have possession
to be closely joined
to possess
to hold fast, keep secure, keep firm possession of
to take hold of each other

In other words - cling, hold tightly, seize it, and don't let go.

Right now I feel like I'm holding on by a thread and I'm clinging to my hope - to my Jesus for dear life.

For those of you who read this column, you already know of many of my challenges - but for the sake of those who are new - let me just recount what the last year of my life has looked like. A little over a year ago, I got married and it was the happiest day of my life. I praise God for giving me a godly husband. He must have known I would need him in my life to get me through the challenges that laid ahead of me. On our honeymoon a hammock accident led to the eventual surgery of my right shoulder - a torn rotator cuff. I endured almost a year of pain before surgery - and following surgery 4 months of extensive, painful physical therapy. In addition to that, my husband and I were both in car accidents resulting in both our cars being totaled this last year. I have also recently suffered a job loss. Just two months ago - in the midst of therapy for my shoulder, I had a cyst rupture in my right knee. I'm still dealing with this very painful situation and surgery is looking imminent.

As one might guess, all this leads to a host of other challenges, albeit financial, mental, and spiritual. There are a ton of medical bills. I have become very depressed and distraught. And at times, I have questioned my faith and I have questioned God.

It's not been pretty.

But God is so good. And although I don't deserve it, He showers me with love, grace and mercy - all unwarranted.

He has answered my prayer with a job. He has brought friends and family into my life who have lifted me up in prayer. Who have allowed me to cry on their shoulders. He's continued to provide for my needs.

As I watch the news and read the paper, I am again and again reminded of my many blessings. And no matter how bad things get - I know my Jesus died for me and nothing I can ever face or endure will compare to the sacrifice He made for me on the cross.

This holiday season, I am reminded of what really matters in this world. It's not presents, it's not a job, it's not a car... it's people. God loves each of us soooo much and willingly gave His son up for us so that we could have a relationship with Him. And His son died such a cruel and horrific death that none of us can even remotely imagine. It's more than even I can understand.

But in the midst of it all - there is hope. And I am holding on to that hope for dear life. And I am so blessed by it, I feel obligated to tell others of the hope I have found in Jesus Christ.

If you have invited Jesus into your life, I ask you, no I beg you - please tell someone - a friend, a family member, even a stranger - tell them about the hope you have in Christ. Their life may depend on it.

Let us worship and praise Him this holiday season. Let's rejoice over the joy can be found in Jesus Christ!

Merry Christmas!