All around us we see signs of the times. Things that Jesus described as the beginning of birth pangs in Matthew 24:3-8. With all the chaos, it’s impossible to ignore that we live in a fallen world, where ungodliness abounds. (And the battle will only intensify until the second coming of Messiah.)
As God’s children, it’s crucial to keep a strategic mindset and not lose hope. Again in Matthew 24, Jesus tells us in verse 6, “You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.”
In these prophetic days, are you frightened and losing hope? Or are you staying strong in Christ Jesus? It’s either one or the other. It can’t be both.
Where Does Your Hope Come From
“For whatever was written before was written for our instruction,
so that through patience and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
Romans 15:4, TLV
One of our five keys to living a strategic life is living with a biblical framework. When we dwell in God’s Word on a daily basis, it fills our spirit with strength and hope for any trials that come our way. The Bible especially gives us direction, encouragement, and comfort in trying times.
For example, in Psalm 91 we are given numerous promises from God when we seek refuge in Him. These verses are sure to fill you with hope.
He who dwells in the shelter of Elyon, will abide in the shadow of Shaddai.
I will say of Adonai, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.
For He will rescue you from the hunter’s trap and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge.
His faithfulness is body armor and shield.
You will not fear the terror by night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the plague that stalks in darkness, nor the scourge that lays waste at noon.
A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
You will only look on with your eyes and see the wicked paid back.
For you have made Elyon your dwelling, even Adonai, who is my refuge,
so no evil will befall you nor any plague come near your tent.
For He will give His angels charge over you, to guard you in all your ways.
Upon their hands they will lift you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread upon the lion and cobra, trample the young lion and serpent.
“Because he has devoted his love to Me, I will deliver him.
I will set him securely on high, because he knows My Name.
When he calls on Me, I will answer him.
I will be with him in trouble, rescue him, and honor him.
With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation.”
Psalm 91:1-16, Tree of Life Version
When we dwell in the shelter of the Most High, He rescues us from evil. He puts His guardian angels over us to keep us safe. We need not fear because the Lord will rescue us in times of trouble.
But first, we must put our trust in Adonai. We must find refuge in Him. We must devote our love to our Savior!
And when times of distress come our way, He will answer our call and be our salvation.
Eternal Hope
The last chapter of the Bible tells us that one day soon our Savior will return and establish His throne. There will be no more curse of sin on mankind. And His children will reign with Him forever and ever! (See Revelation 22:3-7)
Until that time, we need to fulfill our calling on this earth. We need to make the most of the short time we have left. We need to live strategically for kingdom purposes. As it says in Romans 12:11-12, “Keep serving the Lord, rejoicing in hope, enduring in distress, persisting in prayer…”
May you abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit…until the return of Messiah!
