because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Romans 8:21-25 (NKJV)
Corruption, evil, lies, and great sorrows surround us. I was content to bury my head in the sand and to wear blindfolds to those truths. Perhaps it was easier to go about my life content with knowing that my salvation is secure in Christ Jesus. Oh, yes; I faced many trials within my own life which I came to see as stepping stones to allow me to grow closer to God. And, yes; for a long time, I have been a voice presenting the gospel message to those whom I meet along this journey. Yet, now; I opened my eyes to see around me the depth of chaos, pain, suffering that is devastating our nation and our world. There in the depth of that sorrow; I feel so helpless. I cry out with prayers; pleading to God for His mighty hand of Grace to reach forth. Pleading that He come quickly. Then out of those pleas, I realize how many lost souls are living in darkness; who need to see the light of the gospel. Once more I feel helpless. If only I had more money to give, Lord to spreading the gospel to the world–to reach out and help more hurting souls. But, alas; I have not been blessed with financial riches; though, I have been blessed with God’s daily provision for my basic needs. So again, my question: What can I do to be a light into the darkness around me?
How can I help a world so broken by sin? The corruption within our nation has grown so great that I can no longer take for granted my own freedom to speak of faith, hope, and joy as can be found only in an intimate relationship with God. Around the world, so many are losing their lives because they stand up as Christians.
5 Steps Guaranteed to Restore Hope
1. I can first repent of my own sin, laying aside all else to follow after He who is worthy of all my praise.
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14
2. Read God’s Word with a hunger to know Him more fully and to grow ever closer to Him.
For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.1 Peter 1:24-25
3. Pray Unceasingly to the only one who can give us peace and hope; not only for the present time–but for eternity. Our hope is not only in this world.
Pray without ceasing. I Thessalonians 5:17
To God, remembering His mighty power to fulfill all that He has planned toward us. Jeremiah wept bitterly for the children of Israel who had turned their backs upon God repeatedly. He pleaded for them, as God ordained they be taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar. Jeremiah did not fully understand all of God’s plan; yet, God’s answer to Jeremiah was:
Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27
God allowed the people of Israel to be punished for their sin; yet, He provided a way out through the fervent prayer of Daniel His servant. He provided the way of salvation through the sacrificial death of His Son, years later. We may not understand all of what is going on around us; but, we can rest assured that God is Sovereign and He has a plan. As we pray He will reveal to us His Joy, His Hope and His Grace toward us.
4. Then, armed with God’s armor; we stand against the demons of this world-Proclaiming the name of Christ to any and all who will hear. However, large or small my sphere; I must tell a broken and dark world; that there is hope, light, love and joy that can be found in Christ Jesus. There is no greater treasure than a vibrant, living relationship with our Creator. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to God but through Him. He who died and was resurrected on the third day; that, I might be redeemed. My only hope of righteousness is His righteousness covering me.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints Ephesians 6:10-18
5. Only then can I stand and loudly proclaim as did Habakkuk
Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. Habakkuk 3:17-19
[bctt tweet=”No matter how dark the world may seem, God’s light of hope can pierce the darkness.” username=”effiedarlene”]
[tweetthis]God hears the cries of His people and listens to our every plea[/tweetthis]
photo used by permission: https://unsplash.com/@alexjodoin
New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.