Our Hope: The Coming Days

“If my people, who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)

The news we hear day in and day out is not good.  If we are not careful, we can very easily become anxious, worried, and frightened about the coming days.  The visuals we see on the TV and in the newspapers are horrendous, and the words we are now sadly becoming used to hearing, such as beheading, kidnapping, burning alive, bring thoughts of what might very well happen here, in our own homes, in our own neighborhoods.

The United States is considered the great satan in many cultures today.  When you see it in print, both words are generally capitalized, but I refuse to give the enemy that distinction.  Not that he is not of importance, because he certainly is.  But capitalization in my mind is reserved for the one true king, Jesus Christ.

Because the U.S. is considered to be the most evil of places by these places and peoples who practice evils we cannot even understand, we must be wary to a degree.  But we know that while we should be aware of the dangers, and watchful, God does not intend for His people to live in fear.  “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 .  Rather, He has given us His promise that if we will turn from our own evil ways, which means to repent of our sins, show humility and deference to His holy name, and pray and seek Him, then He will do for us what He has done for centuries for Israel, and for any people who trusted in His word, and in His ways.  He will bring us through the coming days with His power and might.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

We must return to God, heart, mind, soul, and body, if we are to live in peace and harmony, with trust and faith in these very difficult and frightening times.  We can walk squarely into the face of the enemy with confidence in Christ, who is Our Hope, and who will walk before us, beside us, with us, forever.  He will never leave our side.  He will not forsake us.  He will do all He has promised.

Jesus is Our Hope, and the Hope of the entire world.  Even those who would kill us can come to know Him.  It is our duty to pray for our enemies, to pray for worldwide revival, to pray that as the light of the world we will emulate Jesus and His ways, that others may see Him and find Him.  Give Him praise for the Hope that He has instilled within your heart, and pray for the boldness that will be required of all Christians in the coming days.

“Cast all your anxiety upon Jesus because He cares for you.”  1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

How would you envision sharing the hope of Jesus Christ to those who may refuse to understand?

Blessings!