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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Dear Rev. Graham: Our nation has come through a tumultuous political battle and the country is divided on the winners and losers. I’m quite neutral on all of it because I have no hope in either side. I feel hopeless though I know the future does not depend on human leadership. But how can I reignite hope for tomorrow? – H.H.

 

Dear H.H.: Have you ever taken hold of such a prize that leads you out of uncertainty into profound assurance? If so, you have possessed hope. Hope is a gift. When it arrives, despair departs. An old Scottish proverb says, “Were it not for hope, the heart would break.”

What is your heart’s condition? Mankind is barraged with news about uncertainty in the world. Hearts are paralyzed with fear about the unknown. A research agency reported on the downside of our fast-paced and high-tech society, indicating that the next few decades would be the most decisive period in history. We do live in tumultuous times.

A greeting card was sent to someone that said “HOPE AVENUE” with a placard below pointing one way. There is only one way that leads to such certainty, and that is to give your life to Jesus Christ who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6, NKJV).

God does not promise to give us everything we want, but He does promise that He will never abandon those who trust in Him. Where do we place our trust? What guides our decisions about life? We must not spend the rest of life wallowing in despair. God calls us to turn our lives over to the One who will guide our every step and claim His promises.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6, NKJV).

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)