DON'T LOSE HOPE

07/10/2023

"Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping--believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, "That's how many descendants you will have!" (Romans 4:18).

On so many occasions, I have been asked, "Pastor, what do I do when I don't see the change that I have prayed for?" My usual response is, "Do not lose hope." If you have done what the Lord has asked of you, then pray and rejoice! You may say, "Pastor, I want to pray and rejoice, but I need a change right now!" I will say again; if you have done what the Word requires of you, it is time to rejoice! That you have yet to see a physical change does not mean your prayers have gone unanswered. 

Change does not always come in the shape and size that we desire. When you prayed, God heard your prayers and gave you specific instructions. And if you have done as He instructed, you ought to trust Him, regardless of how things may look or feel. Trust God's response, and do not consider it insignificant because no response from God is void of the supernatural.

Romans 4:18 says of Abraham, "Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping--believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, "That's how many descendants you will have!" If Abraham could keep believing God even when the natural factors of age were against him and his wife, what then is too hard for God to do? Abraham had every reason to give up, but he didn't. The Scripture tells us that "Abraham's faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah's womb. Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this, he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever He promises."

So do not ever consider giving up; giving up is not an option. Do not confess negatively about the job, country, or relationship. God has brought you this far. And "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6). I may not know the enormity of the situation, but I know that it is nothing before God. In God, there is hope that tomorrow will be better than today. 

God bless you!

Faith-filled Confession:

My faith is unwavering. My trust is in God alone. I believe the Word of God with my whole being. And I know that He who has begun a good work in me will surely complete it. I rejoice in Jesus! Amen.

Prayer Point for Serve Team Members

Colossians 1:9-12 says," For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light."

Pray for saints of God around the world. Pray that they will stand firm in all the will of God, the Word abiding in them continually and increasingly, causing them to walk in the fullness of their inheritance in Christ. 

Pray that they will walk in the revelation of the love of God in increasing measure, bearing fruit in every good work, fulfilling their purpose without reproach.

Jude 1:24-25 says, "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen."

Pray for those facing challenges in their faith and for those whom Satan is steering off the course of their calling in Christ through various temptations and trials.

Pray for the saints; pray that their faith fails not. Pray that they will be strengthened by the Spirit in their inner man, triumphing by the Word sown in their hearts, and their faith prevails in all circumstances.

Declare that they hold fast to their calling, living in and by the Word, irrespective of circumstances, that they may finish their course with joy, bringing glory to the Father in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

ONE YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Job 40-42; Acts 15:22-41