When all hope has gone

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 1, 3 June 1986, Page 11

When all hope has gone

We all face difficult situations in our lives. The loss of a job, the death of a close friend, the collapse of a business, failure in an important exam, the death of a marriage, the list goes on. How do I cope? Can I overcome life's problems on my own, or is there a better way? For a growing number of New Zealanders the answer has been found in Christianity. When I speak of Christianity I don't mean a religion of negative rules and regulations but a positive vibrant love relationship with Jesus Christ our crea-

tor who gives us strength and courage to face life's difficulties. Jesus came into this world not to judge or condemn but to save. To save us from or through potentially life cestroying circumstances. For me it was at the age of 23 that I became one of those New Zealanders who chose to follow Jesus. My life was a mess, I was hurting inside, life had no meaning or purpose. All my dreams were shattered. The things that I thought would make me happy were all gone. A golf career, a marriage, a new home and car. What else is there in life? Divorce is the hardest

thing that I have ever had to face in my life. At first it seemed like a nightmare that might go away but then the reality of it hit home. The feelings of failure, guilt, loneliness, depression and bitterness became all too familiar. You have to face up to the situation sooner or later, and say, yes, it has happened. Be honest with yourself and with others. Share the problem with someone who cares. A friend of mine cared, in fact he cared so much he introduced me to the one who cares the most. Jesus came into my life. He cared. He healed my

hurt. He gave my life meaning. Today I can cope, I can overcome all life's problems. Like the Apostle Paul I can say, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Kevin L.

Martin