During COVID the world witnessed millions, if not billions of people living in fear of dying with no hope. They put their hope in the government and the so-called vaccine, only to realize, in some cases too late, that these were not the “saviors” they were led to believe. They viewed this earthly life as the end! Now, several years later, with all of the unresolved troubles in the world which seem to be getting worse, it would not be surprising if many people have lost all hope for a better life now. So, some have drifted into a state of despondency, with depression and suicide at an all-time high. With the threat of nuclear war closer than ever in history, the decline of morality, unstable governments, the total disregard for human life manifested in the worst forms of evil in modern times, and the abandonment, by some, of creation the way God intended it to be (abortion, transgenderism, and homosexuality), the ways of the world without God are sinking deeper and deeper into the abyss of despair. For people who don’t have a confident assurance of positive outcomes, there is no hope.
Rather than slipping into the quicksand of a hopeless and helpless world, humanity needs to plant its feet on the solid ground of hope given by God as expressed in Romans 15:13. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Sadly, loss of hope can carry over beyond this life. Most people do not have a positive assurance of what to expect after this earthly life. However, the Bible, God’s eternal and inspired Word, has the answer, backed up by the promises of God. 1 John 5:13 says, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” The words of Jesus are recorded in John 11:25. “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he live…” John 14:6 says that a place is being prepared in heaven for those who put their faith in the God of hope, who have been “born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you”(1Peter 1:3-4). “For the believer there is hope beyond the grave, because Jesus Christ has opened the door to heaven for us, by his death and resurrection” (Quote from Billy Graham).
The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 4:10, “For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” He can be your Savior and source of everlasting hope, if you make that decision.
This article should be a great blessing as it shows individuals the only way to the only hope they are being offered. It isn’t a so-so wish-washy cross your fingers type of hope but the real deal! It came at a tremendous cost as God gave His Son to be sacrificed on a cross to cleanse our souls and make us fit for Heaven.
With Him in our lives, it brings that inward peace and joy that cannot be bought. Only the Prince of Peace can bring us this result. It doesn’t mean that we don’t have to face difficulties but we aren’t in these situations alone. He is right there to see us through until we arrive on Heaven’s shore.
Loved reading this message. Thanks for giving people an early start for giving thanks on this week’s national holiday for looking to the Lord for His goodness and blessings.
Thank you John for your article, well done.
My Uncle just passed away, long fruitful life…and before He died, he told my sister who was at his bedside, “don’t cry for me, all of you…I believe in Jesus, I’ll be home soon.” And he died with a smile on his face.
Have a blessed day~
CD, I had an uncle who died many years ago. About a month before he passed he knew his time on earth was short. He said to me, “I have people waiting for me,” referring to heaven.
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing that John.
Blessings~