The Gift of Hope

Dior Burns

Hope is desire accompanied by an expectation of—or belief—in fulfillment. What better way to summarize our relationship with God?! We have a trust in him to provide for all our needs and an expectation that he will walk through all circumstances with us.

As Buckner serves vulnerable children and families throughout the year, we’re building a relationship with them based on trust. We will be there walking as the hands and feet of Jesus beside them, helping them to overcome barriers, break generational cycles, and empowering them to achieve more than they have imagined for themselves. It’s only through the foundation of trust families allow us into the depths of their darkness so we can begin to make true transformation possible with them.

We often find the holidays can be the hardest times for families for various reasons.

When we meet earthly needs with a smile, we’re provided an opportunity to speak to people’s hearts about Jesus and the hope we have in him. 

It’s the sadness of loss or separation from families, the lack of resources to provide gifts for their children, and the stress the holidays can often bring. This time is often when people will seek our services, expecting us to provide them and their children with tangible gifts and items—such as warm coats to survive the cold winter season. 

While they are looking for these items to fill an unmet need, they very rarely see what else these gifts can bring. These gifts are an opportunity for us, as helping professionals serving for the kingdom of God, to fill hearts with hope and love. When we hand them items to meet their earthly needs with a smile, we’re provided an opportunity to speak to their hearts about Jesus and the hope we have in him. 

Only he can provide for all our needs, and we can trust that only he will sustain us. We get to be the life-giving line to let them know how much he cares for them and, thus, how much we care for them. 

Every person who calls themselves a child of God can provide the gift of hope to those in need. 

“Every person who calls themselves a child of God can provide the gift of hope to those in need.”

More Than Mere Charity

Sometimes that’s through a warm smile and hug that lets others know that they are seen. You can pray for them in their time of need or even provide for a physical need you can meet. 

We get an opportunity to extend our hand and invite them to hear about an incredible God who sustains all our hope. We must make ourselves vulnerable enough and make room in our busy schedule to not just give a hand out, but a hand up to share with them a way to a better life – both physically and spiritually. 

Although it would be easy to only provide for a need that might feel good in the moment because we are hurrying about, it’s our responsibility to also share the good news of Jesus when given the chance. 

Let us not become so focused this season on giving things and “feel good” moments, but instead gifting those in need with the life-changing gift of Jesus’ love. Let’s change “feel good” moments to “feel God” moments that will forever stir in people’s hearts when they are feeling hopeless. 

We’re given divine appointments that can make a difference for the Kingdom if we use this time we have wisely. This is not to say warm blankets and food are not needed, but these items can often open a conversation with a lasting impact. 

Let’s not grow weary in doing good. My prayer is God would grant us opportunities to see a need we can fulfill and an opening to gift the good news of Jesus Christ this holiday season

“Our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and a good hope. May He encourage your hearts and give you strength in every good thing you do or say.” – 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Dior Burns is the director of operations and administration for Buckner Children and Family Services in Houston, Texas.

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