October 4, 2010











Hope for the Future





By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.





The world is filled with people who are struggling. Many feel as though they never will realize their full potential. Some believe that they have no potential. Others are deeply entangled in sin. Millions of lives are bound by Satan's lies and deception. At the root of their distress is a deep need to experience the eternal forgiveness of God.



Most of us have heard someone say, "I just feel empty, restless, and unhappy. I have tried to motivate myself, but it seems as though there is no hope for the future." However, there is hope because there is eternal life through Jesus Christ.



The power to overcome sin and feelings of hopelessness is ours when we turn to Christ through prayer. He meets us at the point of our greatest need. He does not come to us as a scolding parent, but as a loving heavenly Father who hears our prayers.



Sin prevents us from experiencing the fullness of God's blessing. Unconfessed sin will leave us feeling spiritually out of balance and, many times, frightened. This is because our spiritual armor has been penetrated and we are vulnerable to attack. People who have not placed their trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord will feel empty and void of joy and eternal hope.



Once a person turns to Christ and seeks His forgiveness, this all changes. He or she receives eternal life and victorious hope for each new day. If you have never prayed and asked God to forgive your sins, you can do that right now.



If you have drifted in your devotion to the Lord, turn to Him, be willing to confess any sin, and recommit your life to the Savior.





If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9)


www.leadingtheway.org