I finished The Hunger Games trilogy. Honestly, it took me a while to get into the first book even though my daughters kept encouraging me to. And I will admit that it is a good read; but I ended it the same way that I began…with the overwhelming thought of how devastating a world without Hope is….and I was gently reminded: I simply cannot imagine my life without the Hope of Trusting in Christ…that there is a place He is preparing for me that is so much better than this; that there is Someone I can turn to when I’m feeling lost or lonely or overwhelmed; that there is Someone who will share my pain because He understands it; and that which He doesn’t rescue me from, He promises to work for my good. I don’t always understand what happens around me; but I know that I can Trust in Him. Having the support of a life partner and family and friends is a wonderful gift; but nothing compares to the Hope I find in Him. Others face the same frailties of life that I do…and they may leave me. But He will never forsake me….and that knowledge brings me Peace that often passes understanding, if you merely look at circumstances. So I can honestly say that I’m very thankful that I read this series, though it seemed so dark and frustrating to me…because of the sweet reminder that my life is not reduced to a struggle to “win”. On the contrary, as a result of His victory, I am victorious…and the Hope I have in Him…makes me only Hunger for more of Him. 🙂

“Now may the God of HOPE fill you with all JOY and PEACE in believing, that you may ABOUND in Hope by the POWER of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NKJV)

(caps mine)