One Reason We Can Still Have Hope for the World

“If you’re not following God, how can you expect Him to answer your prayers?”

Sadie, a recent college graduate from our church, was sharing her faith story. “I was drinking too much, partying too hard, and struggling. I’d pray to God when I needed help, but for the most part, I lived as if He didn’t exist.”

But that Sunday she’d gone to church with her parents, and the pastor’s words pierced her heart.

“I realized that if I wanted to be able to call on God, I had to get serious about my relationship with Him. I bowed my head and surrendered my life to Him.”

She blinked back tears, and I did too.

God Changed Her Heart

“Little by little, God changed my heart,” Sadie said. “Now I want to tell other people how wonderful He is and how He wants a relationship with them too. I’ll be leaving next month for Utah. I’m going to work with a college ministry.”

I thought back to the emptiness of my own young adult life and remembered the wonder and excitement I felt when I realized that the God of the universe loved me—me! That He wanted to meet the deepest desires of my heart and lead me in good paths. That He wanted to hear and answer my prayers according to His good will.

Truth

Sadie’s pastor spoke the truth that day. He quoted King David’s words in Psalm 66:18: “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.”

Sadie knew she’d been cherishing sin. Not just lapsing into an occasional wrong thought or action but loving her sin much more than she loved God. Sin was her master, not God.

But in His kindness, He opened her eyes to see where the path she was walking would lead her. Not toward God and His blessing on her life, but away—far, far away.

In a moment of Holy Spirit-sent faith, she repented. She turned away from her sinful lifestyle and toward the One who waited with open arms to receive her.

Sadie gives me hope.

Hope

Hope that God is still saving people.

Hope that God is still transforming people.

Hope that God is still calling people to share the good news of salvation.

If you’re discouraged today about the state of the world, the church, and the kingdom, take courage.

God is still at work.

What evidence have you seen that God is still at work in the world? Share it in the comments below and encourage us all.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13