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‘Keeping hope alive’ – Part 2

By Austen C. Ukachi
13 November 2016   |   2:49 am
Scriptural examples like the author of the book of Lamentation, from Abraham and Job encourage us to have hope at a time like this.
Austen C. Ukachi

Austen C. Ukachi

Scriptural examples like the author of the book of Lamentation, from Abraham and Job encourage us to have hope at a time like this.

These three were optimistic in the time of despair. That is the way to live and overcome at this time.

Whoever the author of the book of Lamentation was, he was a man who tasted misery, suffering, and rejection. Because of his peculiar sufferings, some attribute the authorship of this emotion-laden book to prophet Jeremiah. From the writings of this man come these hope-inspiring words, which are very relevant in this present time. He wrote: “The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words. I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet, I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful life love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So, it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.” (Lam.3: 19-26 NLT).

All over in our land, there are cries of despair in the air due to the economic situation. Everyone is hurting; every home is in pain. Napoleon Bonaparte says, “A leader is a dealer in hope.” Our leaders have tried without success to give us hope, though their appeals have not reduced the harshness of the time. But that should not stop us from hoping for a better tomorrow. There is nothing like optimism in times of despair and misery. Hope is our anchor and an antidote to despair; it is our main lifeline in these trying moments. When others sulk and despair, you can choose to be different, that is, you can choose to hope in God. Hope that is anchored on God does not disappoint.

Abraham’s attitude is best for our times. He lived in hope at a time when everything else was contrary to living in hope. He looked beyond the restrictions and limitations of his time. He did not waver at the promises of God, but kept on trusting that God would do what He had promised. We can borrow a leaf from this father of faith. “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!” (And 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.” (Rom.4: 18-21).

Job’s attitude to the unusual sufferings he went through is also worth emulating at this critical time of recession. His attitude was one of patience and hope, as he waited patiently for his change to come. And it did come! Read what he wrote: ‘if a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait, till my change comes?” To wait for the Lord is not to remain idle in futility. Rather, it is to patiently wait in anticipation of something better. Like someone said once, “hope is faith waiting for a better tomorrow.”  Contact: pastoracukachi@gmail.com

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