Stand in Hope

The thing about evil is it ripples. It is inevitable that one act of evil may affect thousands or generations of people. And as time passes it gets more rife that it becomes close to impossible to find people of integrity, people who live lives that are pure, people who do not compromise when faced with such. God’s standard of holiness does not change, there are no shadows of turning with Him. What He said at the beginning of time stands til this day. God knows what goes on around us and He knows what we are faced with but He still expects us to live lives that please His heart. God never expects of us what He has not made provision for. God never gives us a task without giving us the grace to carry it through. When we are faced with such dilemmas we look to God for help.
Faith
God calls us to a life of faith, a total trust in Him. It is this faith that helps us endure because we trust our Maker – God. We trust that He will provide for us, deliver us and work out justice for us. We also need to trust that whatever it is that He allows us to go through He will use to build us up and those who surround us.
“But he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:13 (NIV)
“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our suffering, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)
“Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Wat h your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” 1 Timothy 4:15 (NIV)
Obedience
Trusting in God’s word will help us obey Him. As we wait on God for deliverance we need to live in obedience to Him. God’s precepts and laws are for life; when we live according to them we do not forfeit God’s promises.
“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by preserving produce a crop.” Luke 8:15 (NIV)
“And anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:38 (NIV)
Reliance
God loves us and He promises to be our refuge in times of hardship. He wants us to rely on Him and the power of His Holy Spirit. His Spirit will be pur guide when we need wisdom and He will be the power that breaks through for us; and when we get tired, He is gentle enough to comfort us. We must lay our hearts on Him, we must trust that He sees all things and He is more than capable to break through for us.
“And He was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended Him.” Mark 1:13 (NIV)
“May the God who gives you endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus,” Romans 15:5 (NIV)
“I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV)