In this life, we are guaranteed to face tribulation. It’s a promise from God’s Word. It’s not a promise we like, but it is a promise nonetheless. With sin ever-present in this world, tribulation serves to keep us, as believers in Christ, focused on Him. Too often, we become distracted and enamored by the fleeting pleasures of this world, and if left unchecked, that’s where we end up placing our hope.
It’s interesting to observe that as we approach another presidential election, so many people put their complete hope in a single person to determine the course of their lives. To be honest, that’s a depressing thought. Politics and politicians will never truly fix this country. In fact, they often do the exact opposite. Now, I understand that many enter office with good intentions, wanting to do something meaningful for those they represent. But legislation alone won’t heal our land. What we need is a transformation of the heart. As a nation, we’ve strayed far from the foundation that once defined us.
Our country’s true foundation is Christ—regardless of what current politicians or celebrities may say. This foundation was built out of tribulation, out of desperation. The hopeless situation that our founders faced in the 1600s brought about a deep dependence on Christ Jesus.
This dependency reminds me of what Scripture says about tribulation:
Romans 5:3-5: “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
When we place our hope in anything other than Christ and His work, we will always fall short. We will always lose. But when we lean into the suffering and tribulation, Christ is at work in the midst of that mess, bringing us to where we need to be—fully dependent on Him.
Being fully dependent on Christ is not foolishness; it is the foundation of lasting hope. It is where we find enduring joy and fulfillment, a place that will never put us to shame.
Those who place their hope in a politician or an earthly nation will see those hopes shattered. But those who put their hope in King Jesus will endure. Why? Because it is God’s love that fuels our perseverance.
If we would only take to heart what God’s Word tells us, we would see a true transformation in this country.
"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." — 2 Chronicles 7:14
Together, as those called by His name, let us corporately declare: “Jesus, our hope is in You alone. Forgive us for seeking hope in this world, and help us keep our eyes fixed solely on Your Word and Your goodness.” That is where we need to be.
Life is richer and more fulfilling when we do this.
Hope in JESUS!
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