I was raised like any normal Southern California kid. But as a teen, my life began a slow descent. It started with cigarettes and alcohol until I moved on to pot and LSD, as well as other harmful drugs.
It may sound crazy, but even in the midst of the drinking and drugs, I was on an earnest spiritual trek, searching for truth. I was looking for something—anything—that would satisfy the emptiness I felt inside.
Then one night at a local street mission, God made Himself known to me. I came to know that Jesus is real, and that He could save even me!
This realization set me free through the power of God in my life that night. After I’d lived as an alcoholic and addict for far too long, God miraculously delivered me. My life is a testimony to the fact that God is a miracle-working God.
Today I want to tell you: Regardless of where your life is headed, there is hope for you!
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
God is speaking to the captives in Babylon in this passage. Perhaps you’re experiencing captivity in some area of your life today—whether it’s spiritual, mental, financial, or physical. You might feel overwhelmed, isolated, or trapped; and it may seem like things are never going to change.
Just as God cared for those captives, He is thinking about you. He wants to give you a future and a hope. He wants you to believe by faith that things will not always be as they are now.
First and foremost, your hope comes from hearing God’s Word.
The promises in God’s Word are pregnant with power. They can help you recognize the path God wants you to pursue.
You can be sure the devil will try to keep you from hearing God’s Word. In fact, he specializes in feeding you lies. He’ll tell you things will never change and there is no hope for your situation.
Friend, hearing God’s Word overturns the lies that make you feel hopeless.
If you’re feeling hopeless today, pray this with me:
“Father, I thank You for Your goodness and mercy in my life. You forgive all my iniquities; You heal all my diseases; You crown me with lovingkindness. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever; nothing is too difficult for You. Thank You that Your Holy Spirit is guiding my every step.”
Regardless of where you find yourself today, there is hope. God has a bright future and an eternal destiny in mind for you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Never give up hope!
