Eight Reasons Why There Is Hope
ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE NEW YEAR
Eight Reasons Why There Is Hope
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? ... Hope in God.” Psalm 42:5,11; 43:5 NKJV
Being in family ministry we are often asked if we really believe there is hope for the family in these perilous times. To be honest, there are many indicators relative to the home and family that are not very encouraging. But then again, there is reason to wonder if there is hope for anything the way our world is going. There is so much pessimism, doom and gloom!
If we get our direction from the media sources, sociologists, and historians, we might conclude that the human race in general and the family in particular are both on the way out. All seems so hopeless. However, for those who are God’s children through saving faith in Jesus Christ, as long as God is on the throne, there is hope.
In 2 Chronicles 14:2 we read about King Asa who “did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God.” although he was young, Asa had a heart for God. He called the people of Judah back to the Lord and peace was brought to their land. It was not long until Zerah brought the Ethiopian army to fight against them. Now Asa had an army of 500,000 courageous soldiers. But Zerah had a million! They were outnumbered two to one! It was a seemingly hopeless and impossible situation for Judah. What did Asa do? In 2 Chronicles 14:11 it says that, “Asa cried out the Lord his God.” In other words, He acknowledged their total dependence on the Lord, recognizing that the battle was His, not theirs.
The next verse indicates that, “God struck the Ethiopians before Asa and Judah, and the Ethiopians fled.” Humanly speaking, it was an impossible situation, but God made the difference and won the victory. And herein lies our hope.
What follows are eight reasons why we believe there is hope for the family even in these seemingly hopeless times.
1. God is still God.
Despite what the media reports, nothing has changed. God is still God. He is still on His throne and has everything under control. There is nothing too difficult for Him. “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for me?” (Jer. 32:27).
2. God’s Word is still true.
Everything around us may change, but God’s Word will never change. The greatest book ever written to the family is still the Bible. “Jesus spoke these words ... ‘Father ... Sanctify them by Your truth. Your Word is truth’” (Jn. 17:1,17).
3. God still answers prayer.
When God promises to respond to the believing prayers of His people, that’s what He means. No family problem lies beyond the reach of prayer. “Thus says the Lord ... ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know’” (Jer. 33:2-3).
4. Faith still pleases God.
If it is impossible to please God without faith, then by faith we do please Him. If your family really wants to please God, then trust Him. “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Heb. 11:6).
5. The Holy Spirit still lives in us.
One thing the members of a Christian family can have in common is the Holy Spirit, because He lives within each one. And wherever He lives there is hope! “Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God” (1 Cor. 6:19).
6. Obedience still brings blessing.
When we do what God says, He promises to bless us. When we don’t, we’re asking for trouble. Many of the problems threatening families today are self-imposed because of disobedience. “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword” (Isa. 1:19-20).
7. Fasting still moves the heart of God.
So many family troubles are simply places where Satan has been given a stronghold. One of the most effective ways to break Satan’s grip on a family is through prayer and fasting. “Jesus ... rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it ... ‘I command you, come out ... This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.’” (Mk. 9:25,29).
8. Satan is still a defeated enemy.
Satan may be a “roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8), but he’s lost every encounter he has ever had with God! And when we stand against him, we do so in God’s authority. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:10-11). “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (Jas. 4:7).
Is there hope for the family? Absolutely! Remember, when God is going to do something wonderful, He always begins with a difficulty. But when He is going to do something very wonderful, He always begins with an impossibility. Trust and obey God, and watch Him work in very wonderful things in your family this New Year.
By Jack & June Palmer