Do We Have Hope for the Future?

With all that is going on with the Covid 19, this is hard to answer, for many people are terrified. I hear them calling the radio stations, so scared, that it seems they might have an attack right then. I hear about women actually fighting in the stores for the “right” to grab the last bottle of sanitizer or pack of toilet paper; even men and old ladies are fighting too. They lose control.  It is incredible the anxiety that the lack of Hope can bring out in people, and make them act like animals. We have to act like human beings, loving one another, like Jesus taught us. Of course, the ones who have never met, spend time with, and trust Him, will probably not do what He advises, nor ever experience that peace that surpasses all understanding, especially in the time of crisis. The Christian experience of following Jesus teachings and believing in his promises have been proven real and give His followers a sense of relief in spite of the bad moments we might go through, because in this world WE are not exempted of suffering which is a consequence of the sin we inherited, reason for which Jesus came to this earth, to offer freedom from it by believing in Him (how simple, no?) and teach us how to conduct ourselves in a corrupt world we, ourselves, have created with our wrong choices. Do we believe in Him? Do we apply his teachings?  Some of us have.  But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually appraised.  (I Corinthians 2.14)  The way we act in public will denounce our true feelings and the HOPE we show in a smile, will give courage to many people around us. If we act calmly and follow the instructions given by the authorities, and if we pray to the Almighty, we will beat the attack like we have done the previous ones that many didn’t even know about.

This is not an Act of God like some people might call it. This is an act of an agent of the Adversary (Satan) to afflict humanity; which is why he incited Eve to disobey and affect us with all the deadly threats we have had ever since. (Read Genesis chapter3) These agents are human beings whom Satan has recruited to help him destroy the human race God so loves; probably the ones who are always saying there’s no God. I weep for their future.  The apostle Peter also tells us: Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of your suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. (I Peter 5.8-9) But the ones who trust God, who sent Jesus to redeem us, have HOPE and can say For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. (John 3.17)  And we can say, like Paul: I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4.12-13) and For  me to live is Christ and to die is GAIN (Philippians 1.21)

Do not be afraid for God is with us and He promises He would help us through the bad moments:

~Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in him. (Proverbs 30.5)

~“Do not fear for I am with you” (Isaiah 41.10)

~The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him. (Psalm 34.7)

~Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. (Psalm 55.22)

~God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46.1)

~He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.  .  .~A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not approach you. (Psalm 91.1,7)

~(The righteous) will not fear evil tidings. (Psalm112.7)

~The Lord will guard your going out and your  coming in from this time forth and forever. (Psalm121.8)

If you want HOPE for the future, you need Him on your side. All you need to do is ask Him: for “WHOEVER  WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED. (Romans 10.13)

Based on what do we choose our politicians?

Based on: 
    Our political view?

2       Our pocket?

3       Our feelings/familiarity/friendship?

4      Our benefit (personal or for everyone)?

5      Our desire or conviction?

Politicians are the ones chosen to rule or govern, of course in a democratic system; not where they get in by force or appointed by the former ruler. The ones entitled by force are usually dictators in a totalitarian regime, and the ones appointed are puppets of the ones who really dictate the rules.

If based on our political view, we probably vote for “our party” no matter how bad or good the candidate is; bad if we do not think and clap to whatever the establishment does, even if it benefits our ruin; good if we have seen progress for most, despite the establishment haunting.

If by our pocket, we will choose whoever promises more to it no matter the other problems we do not care about; even the ones of taking economic advantage on any previous position. Also, whoever offers too many free services knows that someone has to pay for them and if there’s no money, they have to get a hold of our freedom or our life.

If by our feelings/familiarity/friendship, we are engaged to promises that might never come true or that could endanger our integrity.

If by our benefit, when personal, is selfishness; if for “everyone” it could be bait (demagogical) if not proven.

If our desire is good, we will study and analyze and give our precious vote to the proven one. Our conviction will reward us.

If we go back in time like on the second or third millennial, (According to the Bible and to the eschatological experts who study the times in it we have about 6 millennia to live: 2 from the beginning of the world until Abraham, 2 from Abraham until Christ and 2 from Christ to the present, enough time to repent); the rulers were chosen by the prophets who were told the will of God and anointed them in God’s name. Samuel was one of those prophets and has two books if you want to read them; the first one about him, how he became to be, and the kingdom of the first king: Saul, and all that it happened until his death; the springing of a character chosen by God to take his place: David, and his achievements; the second about David’s kingdom, the good things and his error of choice which brought him the tragedies in his family. David begged for forgiveness (Read Psalm 51) but the damage is of irreversible consequences; but the ones with a Christian conviction have the blessing of forgiveness. That is why Jesus Christ came to this world to free us from condemnation. At the time of David, Jesus had not come in yet. The adversary (Satan) had always wanted to avoid His advent, reason why he tempted David because he knew it was through his family line Jesus would enter this world. That is why God wouldn’t take the kingdom from his descendants, yet it was divided and problems never lacked.

Humans, as governments, are not exempted from making mistakes with bad results, (we cannot make a government change what’s established) but if we as voters commit ourselves to love instead of hate and envy, if we are smart and study, see the goodness vs. evil in the eyes of God who will bring perfection to the world, and pray with all our heart, we’ll experience the Peace of God which surpasses all understanding and the results will be unbelievable. Despite the money used and the human efforts it is God who puts and take away kings.

Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the Lord will stand. (Proverbs 19.21)