Be Hope to the Hopeless

A new season arrived, full of color and beauty, taking our minds off of a troubled year, only intensified by the election yet to come. So much division. So many issues. So many differences of opinion. So much hatred. Such an uncertain future.

Uncertainty produces pressure, panic, fear, and anger, leaving everyone with a feeling of hopelessness. It’s no wonder suicide rates are on the rise. Even Christians are seeking answers in these challenging times and opposing one another. we don’t have to fall into this trap. We can be the hope to the hopeless in uncertain, scary times. Victory ahead!

First, we must remember . . .

1.  Numerous societies have lived through much worse than us.
2. The issues facing our society aren’t the real deal. They are symptoms . . . symptoms of hurting, lost people who have lived through hopeless situations, and/or symptoms of a broken system in need of repair. Think it through.
3. God is God and we need to let Him be exactly that.
4. Every day is one day closer to Jesus’ return so we need to witness to a lost and dyeing world. Seeing more insanity shouldn’t surprise us.
5. When it comes to media, you can’t believe most of what you see, or hear. Usually there is ulterior motives, hidden agendas, and incomplete or partial information given for the sole purpose of altering our perception for their gain. The Holy Spirit is whom we must rely on for interpretation of media. Let Him speak to you as you listen.

Give Hope to the Hopeless

There are two simple things we can do to give hope. Well, maybe not simple to do. We give hope to the hopeless by following these two commandments:

Love God

It often takes a lifetime for us Christians to decide to love God with ALL our heart, let alone the other parts. God’s desire is for us to show our love through surrendering everything, especially our troubles, fears, and expectations. He wants to be our Father who loves, teaches, guides, and heals us.

Surrender means to trust Him fully. Christians have settled for less than what God offers because they get caught up in the things of this world. This is easy to do when we can’t comprehend the depth of His love. God sent His Son to take our place. If you were convicted and serving time, how would you feel if you were exonerated? Hard to comprehend, huh?

I recall a story of a drunk who went to court. The judge was his brother. The man received a fine of $2,000. The judge felt bad, but had to uphold his duties. But then, he wrote out a check, walked around his desk, and handed the check to his brother. Jesus paid a debt he did not owe. We owe a debt we can not pay. Chew on that.

The trouble with joining the world is we get caught up in trusting organizations and government without trusting the One with ALL the answers. In other words, our lives are built on the wrong foundational principles (mainly selfishness).

It is time we grow up and realize what truly is important in this life. God is the One we normally turn to during crises. Instead, He desires a personal relationship where we fellowship constantly with Him.

Love Your Neighbor

Your neighbor starts with who lives next door, then your community, state, country, and abroad. Everyone is your neighbor! Most are hurting, don’t know where they are spending eternity, have been pumped with lies, and haven’t heard who Jesus is.

Show love:

• Pray for all neighbors – friends, relatives, strangers, government officials, and enemies
• Invite everyone to church
• Give rides to the elderly, disabled, and the poor, to church medical appointments, and stores
• Share informational resources or give actual needed items.
• Encourage them with a compliment
• Assist filling out applications or other paperwork (jobs, medical, taxes, banking, etc.)
• Babysit or pay for a sitter
• Mentor someone younger or new to your work or church

Volunteer or get active in your community – be an influencer

• bake cookies or share a meal
• send thinking of you cards

The future is ours. It starts with us – it starts with a KIND word!

Remember, it only takes a spark to get a fire going, and it only takes the faith of a mustard seed to move a mountain. What’s stopping you?

Don’t pass the buck. Be the CHANGE you want to see!

© 2020, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.