"According to your faith will it be done to you."¹

"A few years ago John Hopkins University did an experiment with mice. The mice in the first group were held tightly in the experimenters' hands so that they could not move. The mice struggled but were immobilized without being injured. Then after a set period of time, they were placed in a tub of water. They immediately sank, having learned that fighting was hopeless.

"The mice in a second group were held in the lab technicians' hands less tightly. The creatures were given some hope of escaping the grip of the lab technician but without being actually free. After the same length of time, they were also dropped into a tub of water. These mice immediately swam to safety."²

Life for all of us is filled with struggles and challenges. If, when faced with seemingly overwhelming challenges, we believe that we are unable to cope and thus without hopeâ€"we will be overcome. If, on the other hand, when faced with the same challenges, we believe that with endurance, stick-ability, and God's helpâ€"and thus have hopeâ€"we will overcome.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that when I put my trust in you, no matter what curves life might throw at me, I have hope. And that, with your help, I will overcome and, as a result, be a better, healthier, wiser, and stronger person. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Matthew 9:29 (NIV).
2. Maxine Dunham, Perceptions: Observations on Everyday Life. Cited in Encounter magazine (ACTS Australia), Oct/Nov, 2005, p. 19.

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