“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” - Jeremiah 29:11
Hopeless Christians? Christians without hope? These two things should never ever be put together, so why are we seeing so many Christians living lives with depression, fear, defeat, failure, hatred and sadness? Yes, there is persecution, as it is very evident in the Middle East. This world is far from perfect but we need to stop living lives as though we are victims to the evil of this world. John 10:10 says, The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus)have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. Did you understand what the only begotten Son is saying?! He came to give us an abundant life that we could live to the fullest. He came not only to give us salvation but He came to give us hope and a future, He came so that we could fulfill the dreams that He put inside each and everyone's hearts. Yet, I see Christians thinking the opposite. We think and believe that in order to bring glory to God that we must live a life full of heartache and pain. What? What about the Bible that tells us that by Jesus' stripes we are healed? (Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Peter 2:24) Or Psalms 91 where it says that we don't need to fear because He loves us and will protect His children? (Psalm 91) Or when He tells us that we lack nothing? (Psalm 23:1), God takes care of the birds so how much more will he take care of his children? (Matthew 6:26) It is time to start living as if we are free because we are in free indeed. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." - Galatians 5:1.
It's time to change and renew our minds. The devil is clever, he likes to sugarcoat and twist things around, after all why would he want to see God's children free from diseases, poverty, fear and defeat? No, I'm not saying the Christian walk will be just butterflies and rainbows, as there will be mountains to climb, but what I am saying is that we need to see ourselves the way the Father sees us, and trust His word. If Scripture tells us that he has came to give us life and to give us healing, protection, peace or that we don't ever have to lack anything, believe it. When you find the truth, and experience His freedom, grace and favor, I'm telling you that your life will be forever changed.
