Don’t Give up – Part 1

MAY 22

Psalm 30:5b – Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.

Where is God when life is full of chaos and I hurt? What is God doing about the seemingly increasing problems in the world? Is God not interested in the affairs of humanity or has He left us to find our way out? Has He a plan to help humanity out of tribulation? Where is God in all this mess and where is the power that we have heard and read about in bible stories?

Gideon posed a similar question to God in the Bible during a time of recession and hardship. When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.”  “But sir”, Gideon replied, “if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the LORD has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian”. The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”. In Judges 6:12-14,the only thing that Gideon had left going for him was a strong desire for change and a better life and that was enough to initiate the turnaround that he and his people so desperately needed.

It is said “We judge a man’s wisdom by his hope”. Hope is kept alive by a strong desire for a better future. God responds to people with an undying desire for change. Gideon was discouraged, hurting and bewildered but he still held on to his desire and hope for a better life. It is reported that when old people with terminal illness have something to look forward to, be it their next birthday, the birth of a grandchild, the wedding of their children etc., notwithstanding their poor health condition, their body clock rearranges itself and their days are prolonged. It is also recorded that these people seem to have a new lease of life because of their strong desire to be part of the big day. So my question to you is: how strong are your desires and dreams for a better life? Would you allow the current financial climate kill your dreams and hopes for the future? Or are you going to ride this storm through and come out victorious? It was Einstein who said, “If you say you can or you can’t you are right”. You determine your own limits in life.

I believe you can and will live to see your dreams and life goals achieved. I recommend that you should hold on, dream and hope for a better life, because as God was with Gideon in the above story and led him to victory against opposition He is with you and will give you a breakthrough in the form of assistance, opportunities, ideas and concepts. One good idea can change your life forever. You may say but why will God help a person like me? God will help you because you are made in His image and likeness. Out of all God’s creation human beings are the only ones that are made in the image and likeness of God. So when God sees you, He sees Himself. I want you to know that your best days are ahead of you and not behind you. Your promises are greater than your problems. Your future is brighter than your present.

I want you to know that you are not alone God is with you. The psalmist said, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me”. God is closer than you think. Don’t stray away from His love, He loves you in spite of you. He loves you on your best days and He loves you on your worst days. As children do not have to qualify for the love of their parents so also you do not have to qualify for God’s love. All you have to do is receive and enjoy it. You may be wondering why and how God could love a person like me? Because love is God’s nature, God is love (1^st John 4:8). His ultimate desire is for you to be in a relationship with Him and know His presence. I encourage you to receive his love today.

For further study:

Joshua 1:5-7, 1 John 4:8

Personal Declaration for the day

Father God thank for loving me and sending Jesus Christ to die for me, today I receive the love that you have for me. Lord Jesus I want you to come into my heart to be my Lord and Saviour from this day forward. I confess with my mouth that you are the Son of God and God raised you from the dead. Thank you for dying for my sins and thank you for coming into my heart. Amen

Questions for you to reflect on:

Give two reasons why you should keep hope alive?