Today I was encouraged by the Old Testament prophet Micah. Times were tough for him and we could say the same for us too. It’d be easy to lose hope and give up. But Micah presses on, he tells us “Do not give up”. This culture of gloom is not going to say the last word. God is doing amazing things.

But me, I’m not giving up.
    I’m sticking around to see what God will do.
I’m waiting for God to make things right.
    I’m counting on God to listen to me.
(Micah 7:7, MSG)

And I am not giving up either. Far from it. Instead, I look up to God. I read his word and Jesus meets me where I am at. Right then and there, I experience a miracle that is available for all who seek Jesus: I am renewed. Just as my God, I am truly alive.

Do not give up…

Every moment of prayer is holy. As we deepen our relationship with Christ, God revives us. And just like that, in the middle of prayer, we are reassured: nothing is impossible for God. He is able to do what he has promised to do: to take care of us until the end of the world.

So there is no point to look at the darkness around me, it has no power over me. Or anyone in Christ. Just like Micah, I look to the Lord and I find what is beyond even my hopes and dreams: the love of God, the grace of Christ, and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Micah urges us, “Do not give up”. We are to hope even when it seems there is no hope left. Because there always is. Clement of Alexandria has said, “If you do not hope, you will not find what is beyond your hopes.” And that’s something the enemy does not want you to find. Because when we find the love of God, the grace of Christ, and the presence of the Holy Spirit, we are out of the enemy’s reach for good.

…look up to God instead

Hence do not give up. Look up to God instead. No matter how hard your life is right now, there is hope upon hope. And hope in Christ will not disappoint. Sure, things might not go as you would like them to go. But they will go better, according to his love to you.

Keep looking up, my friend. God can completely alter any situation. Let the love of God shine on you and your troubles. There are miracles waiting to happen.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Forgive us for forgetting you and pressing on our own.
We should know better, we always end in despair.
Help us to live our lives in your presence.
We want to trust in your wisdom and live in your love.
Draw us into your arms, revive us again.
Fill us with your grace and peace, bless us according to your love to us.
Teach us to live in your joy and power.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

P.S.

How are you doing, my friend? However you’re feeling, I recommend prayer. There are miracles waiting to happen for all who want to be revived in Jesus. Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim. God is alive and loves you very much. So let him make you alive too!