My Hope and Stay

We have just concluded our Missions Conference here at Mid-Way and WHAT A WEEK! My heart is encouraged, I am stirred up to “good works,” and I pray you were, too! (Hebrews 10:24, 25)

We sang a worship song during one of the services during the conference that has the phrase: “Jesus, You're my hope and stay” which made me stop and think about HOPE and STAY. When we are children of the one Living God, we know where our HOPE lies, but the concept of knowing a STAY absolutely thrills my heart! I looked up the word when using it in this context and here is what Webster’s Dictionary defines it as:

In the phrase "hope and stay," the word "stay" functions as a noun meaning a support, prop, anchor, or source of stability. It refers to something that holds one up or provides reliance, especially during times of distress or when life seems to "give way.”

Root Meaning: It implies something you can lean on, providing endurance, and a secure foundation.

A source of stability when life seems to “give way.” Whoa! Are you kidding me?! That is the very definition of our God that we read about in His Word:

-Our Fortress-

Psalm 18:2

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

-Our Rock-

Matthew 7:25

and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

-Our Shield & Lifter-

Psalm 3:3

But You, O Lord, are a shield for me,

My glory and the One who lifts up my head.

If these things are true, and friends, I believe with every fiber of my being that they are TRUE and TRUSTWORTHY, then what do we have to fear?

On our Thursday night service during our conference, Missionary K. Ghimire shared about witnessing to his 104-year-old Grandmother who was a devout Hindu follower. He asked the question about sharing Jesus with her for the first time: “What if she gets angry with me for sharing the Lord with her?” I was reminded that rejection isn’t of me or even about me, it’s the Lord’s purpose and plan for us to share (plant a seed), and He takes care of the rest (the watering and cultivating). Our missionary guest shared how incredibly kind it is that the Lord uses us as His children to tell others that He has created for the same purpose, that He loves them and desires to have a close and loving relationship with them. Any rejection or anger we may receive is for a brief season as we read in 2 Corinthians 4:

2 Corinthians 4:17

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.

 PRAYER TIP: Pray to our HOPE and STAY with expectant hearts.

Believing in our hearts and living our lives in light of Jesus as our HOPE and STAY gives us all the encouragement we need to pray, ask, and believe God for the outcomes. I’m not referring to a “name it and claim it” way of living, but rather, my God is always working on my behalf for His glory and my good mentality.

Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works. 

Living a life that is glorifying to our Lord should cause us to worship! I’d love for you to read the words to the song I mentioned earlier and pray the words today, my friend. I promise your hearts will be encouraged!

Lord I come, I confess

Bowing here, I find my rest

Without You, I fall apart

You're the one that guides my heart

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You

Every hour, I need You

My one defense, my righteousness

Oh God, how I need You

Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more

Where grace is found is where You are

And where You are, Lord, I am free

Holiness is Christ in me

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You

Every hour, I need You

My one defense, my righteousness

Oh God, how I need You

So teach my song to rise to You

When temptation comes my way

And when I cannot stand, I'll fall on You

Jesus, You're my hope and stay

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You

Every hour, I need You

My one defense, my righteousness

Oh God, how I need You

Prayer Points:

●        Lord, thank You for being constant and trustworthy. Help me to live with an expectant heart because of how consistent You are.

●        Father, help me to see people the way You do and be motivated to share You with them.

●        Thank You for your Word and Your promises that are my HOPE and STAY.

Father God, I come before You in the Name of Jesus and thank You for being constant and trustworthy, even when I fall short. Help me to live with a heart of expectation because of how consistent You are! Father, help me to see people the way You do and be motivated to share You with those you allow me to come into contact with every single day and in every single avenue. I thank You for Your Word and Your promises that are my HOPE and Stay. It’s in Your precious Name we ask all these things, Amen.

Because of His Grace, 

Amanda Dyson

Mid-Way Baptist Church

Flourish Women's Ministry