Gaining Hope over Despair

A serene arrangement featuring a card with the words 'Faith, Hope, Love,' a cup of coffee, and thoughtful details evokes a sense of peace, reflection, and spiritual grounding.

Image from Canva

As we witness the fanfare surrounding President Trump and Vice President Vance’s inauguration, we observe a profound sense of hope radiating from the faces of American citizens. It feels as though a heavy, gloomy cloud has lifted, and the warm light of renewal now shines brightly upon our nation. While many celebrate the promises and aspirations tied to this new season, we, as God’s children, must remember who we are and what we are called to do.

We are not to have a mentality of escapism, simply waiting to be raptured out of this world into paradise. Instead, we are called to engage and influence the world while we are here. As Paul reminded Timothy, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a

worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15, NIV). Our mission is not passive but active—we are called to labor faithfully in whatever field God has placed us.

As the head and not the tail, we are meant to lead and not lag behind. Deuteronomy 28:13 (KJV) declares, "The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom."
This leadership is not confined to the four walls of a church building. We are called to shine God’s light and bring His truth into every sphere of influence: government, entertainment, education, family, law enforcement, the military, churches, media, and business.

The fallacy of Limited ministry must be eliminated. For too long, many of us were raised to believe that the highest way to please God was through church ministry alone. While ministry within the church is vital, it is not the only place where God calls His people to serve. This narrow view is a fallacy that has held back generations from fulfilling the fullness of their calling. Colossians 3:23-24 (KJV) reminds us, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

In reality, every vocation can be a ministry when done unto the Lord. Teaching in public and private schools is a ministry. Building strong families is a ministry. Leading with integrity in business or government is a ministry. When we faithfully serve God in these areas, we fulfill His mandate to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16 KJV).

It is everyone’s duty to pray for those who lead in every area of society, especially in business and the economy. Business leaders create jobs, provide for families, and sustain communities. As Christians, we should support and encourage those who work hard to provide for their households, as this is a noble and God-honoring pursuit. 1 Timothy 5:8 (KJV) says, "Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."

When individuals take pride in their work and responsibility, they not only bless their families but also contribute to their communities, churches, and those in need. Proverbs 14:23 (KJV) teaches us, "All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty."
We must celebrate those who strive to provide, lead, and serve with excellence while encouraging others to find joy in their contributions to society.

While we are citizens of an earthly nation, our true citizenship is in Heaven with the roles of Kingdom Ambassadors. As Philippians 3:20 (KJV) reminds us,"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ."
This heavenly citizenship does not negate our earthly responsibilities; rather, it enhances them. We are ambassadors of Christ, tasked with representing His kingdom in every realm of life. 2 Corinthians 5:20 (KJV) says, "We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God."

Our role as ambassadors means we must actively engage in the world, not withdraw from it. Whether in politics, education, media, or business, we are to bring God’s truth, justice, and love into every situation.

As this new chapter unfolds in our nation’s history, we are encouraged for the future.  We approach it with faith and purpose. Celebrate the hope of new beginnings, but remember that our ultimate hope is in Christ. Let us rise to the challenge of being leaders, influencers, and faithful servants in every area of life.

May we pray for wisdom, as Solomon did, so that we can lead with God’s insight and understanding (1 Kings 3:9-12 KJV). May we act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8 KJV). And may we never grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9 KJV).

Now is the time to move forward boldly, knowing that God has called us to be world-changers for His glory.

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