Ian Cole the founder of the World Prayer Centre declares hope in a time of hopelessness.
Warning – Do not fall into the world’s trap organised by the enemy of our souls and the enemy of every soul on the planet. Everyday we are being bombarded with information from around the world accompanied by judgmental statements, negative and critical comments, concerning nations, leaders of nations, and sadly, leaders of churches, former friends, family members. This often leads to cynicism, unbelief and hopelessness. The enemies trap!
The Word of God is full of incidents where people, and even a nation, appeared to be in hopeless situations. Everything around them told them nothing can change, every feeling they had was one of despair. Hopelessness. Throughout the Old Testament, right up to Jesus on the cross, the experience of those at the time was a feeling of hopelessness. Even the two disciples on the road to Emmaus had lost hope. “We had hoped,” they said to Jesus as He walked with them.
Around the world in nation after nation we see unrest, wars and famines, human suffering as millions wander from nation to nation looking for safety, for family and loved ones. The Bible tells us these things will take place. As a result of all that is happening and the wrong decisions leaders of all persuasions have made, we also experience real difficulties and challenges in our everyday lives.
At the same time as we look around our nation and world, we see God at work through His Body, bringing hope, blessing, provision and healing in miraculous ways in what appears to be hopeless situations. Let us never forget, in fact, let us shout it from the housetops that the Gospel of Christ Jesus is a gospel of hope.
Hope in a never changing God. Hope in His Son Jesus our Saviour. Hope built on His blood and righteousness. A living hope through His resurrection. Hope in God’s living word. Hope through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. Yes, we are in a battle. Yes, we face huge challenges but we remind ourselves, that true hope is the soil in which perseverance and endurance grow.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may flow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
So, let us come in the opposite spirit to the world and declare, “There is nothing hopeless in the Kingdom of God” “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may flow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)
Ian Cole is the founder of the World Prayer Centre, Birmingham, UK.
