LIGHT OF HOPE AND HELP (9)

"If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I WAIT, TILL MY CHANGE COMES” – Job 14:14, KJV

Only the forward-looking can behold the LIGHT of HOPE and HELP: "If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I WAIT, TILL MY CHANGE COMES” (Job 14:14, KJV). No one who keeps his gaze on yesterday can see a better tomorrow. Everyone that ever became was forward-focused. Small-minded people who focus permanently on the past, rarely make progress. God delights that we move ahead each year, month, and day, with renewed rather than expired aspirations, refired rather than shattered hopes.

Where we look determines where and how far we’ll go! Many people have been stuck in the traffic of life because they kept gazing at others. Some are held bound by their admiration of their own success stories. Having seen the comfort of Egypt, they thought that Canaan was not necessary. Majority are held down by their faith in men. The man by the pool of Bethesda, for example, wasted thirty-eight years looking in the wrong direction, gazing on men: “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool...” (Jh.5:7). In the worst-case scenario, some individuals look down, having lost hope and faith in God and in life. They resent life, curse their birth, hate themselves, and feel like the world should end!

The Good news is that Time will change in our favour, if we wait on God. With Him is the possibility of Hope Restored, which could mean:

Help Revealed: "Our HELP is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth" (Psa. 124:8). No one can move an inch ahead without being helped from on high! Cursed is he who trusts in man, makes failing flesh his arm, and allows his heart to depart from the Lord (Jer.17:5). Revelation is superior to connection. If we begin to look up to God, He’ll connect us with men that matter. His Help will show up!

Fresh Direction: “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it” (Isa.30:21a). Direction emerges when our gaze is on God: “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God” (Rom.8:14). Many run with zeal and speed, but head nowhere. It’s frustrating to keep going without clarity of destination. Let’s first to instructions from on high before we start running!

Favour from God – Honour among Men: “I will make you and eternal excellence, a joy of many generations” (Isa.60:15b). Only those who have known shame will best appreciate honour! Looking backward will keep one away from Jesus, from Help, Direction, Favour, and Honour!

Above all, Hope Revealed means God’s absolute Presence. No matter the turbulence on life’s high sea, no one can travel with God and sink or be wrecked by the storms! As we wait on Him, our long-awaited positive changes will come!