What Scripture Says
"Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God" (Psalm 43:5)."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?" (Romans 8:24).
"To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins" (Acts 10:43).
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27).
"That which we have seen and heard declare we to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ" (1 John 1:3).
"Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).
Hope For You
God has made these (and additional) promises to those who believe in Him. Every promise in the Bible, God says, is "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ who confirmed these promises by His life, death and resurrection. You have favour with God. He will see to it that you have favour with people. You need only learn to walk in that favour.It is too often true that Christians experience far less than God's best for them. However, His promises are meant especially for Christians. Therefore, the place to start is in your relationship with Him.
It has been said that the entire Bible speaks of our relationship with God. That relationship starts with new birth in Christ (John 3:16) which must be followed by spiritual growth. For there to be much spiritual growth, you also need to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13). The Holy Spirit produces the spiritual nature of God in you (Galatians 5:22,23). As you receive the spiritual nature of God, your old nature with its hopelessness (Gal. 5:19-21) is replaced. To be victorious in Christ, you also need God's armour and armament for life's battles (Ephesians 6:10-18). Finally, you need to begin practising God's "spiritual laws" or "principles."
Examine Christ's offer of "treasure in heaven" to the rich, young ruler (Matthew 19:21) and His offer of "living water" to the woman at the well (John 4:1-15). Pray for and establish a new vision of what your lifestyle and relationships are to be like under God's authority.
As you study, learn, and experience God's full counsel for you, your life takes on victory rather than defeat. You will walk in faith and its results rather than constantly being defeated by the circumstances of life. Your prayers will become prayers of faith (and sure hope) rather than hopeless prayers.
God has people to help you no matter what your needs: physical, spiritual, emotional, marital, or whatever. Contact a local Bible-believing, Spirit-filled fellowship of Christians. There are churches available in most communities where people are experiencing the victory you need. They have discovered the God of hope (Psalm 71). He is only a prayer away.
As You Pray
Give thanks and praise to God, who, in spite of problems, gives hope to the hopeless.Suggested Reading
Search For Significance by Robert S. McGee, Prison To Praise by Merlin Carothers and other books on praise.Include a good devotional book for daily encouragement and inspiration. Christian biographies are also recommended as they are testimonials of God's working in people's lives. Purchase a "Promise Box" from a Bible bookstore for daily family use.
Romans 4:18-25 The faith of Abraham
Psalm 23 God's assurances
2 Corinthians 4:7-9 Victorious hope
Romans 5:5 Hope does not disappoint Crossroads is happy to help. In fact, that's the whole reason we exist as a ministry. The daily 100 Huntley Street telecast and the 24-hour-a-day Telephone Ministry line are here for the same reason. You may want to call us as you are reading this: 1-866-273-4444
God loves you and we love you! Please give us the privilege of doing our best to help more. For further ministry, you may contact the Crossroads Ministry Centre by writing to:
Crossroads Christian Communications Inc.
Attn: National Ministry Centre
PO Box 5100
Burlington, Ontario L7R 4M2
