Patience plus Comfort in the Word equals Hope

For the past six weeks I have been discipling a new convert and the experience is one I never grow tired of, or in. Pepe worked for me through a sub in Atlanta about 7 years ago. At the time I approached him concerning the gospel and he assured me that he went to the catholic church and was OK. Over these past few years our paths have crossed and our relationship continued. Then after a 2 year seperation he feels compelled to visit me at my home. That evening visit ended after two hours of sharing with Pepe and his brother praying with me to surrender to the gospel. Sitting in church with him and his wife I point out Romans 15:4. Later I explained that Paul uses the word 'patience' which is associated with a donkey bearing up under a heavy load; and the word 'comfort' is the same root word used to describe the Holy Spirit. Paul says, "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning in order that through patience and comfort in the scripture we might have hope." Thus when we bear up under the load our life lays upon us and we turn to the scripture for comfort, we realize the emotion of hope. I hope the new year brings you hope. It will if you look to the Word for answers to all the perplexing questions of life. My goal through this new blog is to share just that, hope.