Date: 07/17/2023

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to Him be the Glory, Power, and Dominion forever and ever and to the Holy Ghost that is yet abiding in the body. This month’s key word is HOPE. This week’s message discusses: How we can have Hope when everything looks hopeless?

In Romans 5:3-5, Paul says that we can rejoice in our sufferings because we are a people of hope: “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (Rom. 5:3–5). So, how can we have hope when everything looks hopeless? In the midst of suffering, we can rejoice because these challenges cause us to:

Rely on God’s Presence: God uses suffering to make us rely on His presence. David in Psalm 23:4, writes “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me”. In another Psalm, David reveals that one of the reasons for his joy is that he is forgiven: “In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness” (Psalm 31:1). We cannot determine God’s love for us based on good or bad circumstances. We determine His love based on the cross and what He did for us on the cross.

Rely on God’s Provisions: In 2 Corinthians 12:7, Paul reveals that he has suffered from “…a thorn in the flesh”. God allowed this to happen so that Paul would not become conceited. God is saying to us that His grace is sufficient, and even when we feel weak, He is making us stronger than we have ever been. His grace is the person of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. The bad times you may be going through may the circumstances God uses to take you to a whole new level.

Rely on God’s Power: “…Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9b). What is your weakness? Maybe like Paul, it is insults, hardships, and or persecutions. Whatever it is, Paul says he will glorify in his infirmities so that the power of God rests upon him. The greater the enemy comes at you; the greater Jesus is in you.  Don’t give up. Because when we are weak, then He is strong. 

In closing, remember the greater the attack against you, the greater Jesus Christ is in you, but you have to rely on His presence, His provision, and His power. Now when challenges come to mind remember to rely on Him. Until next week, remember, “… with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26b).”

In His Service,

Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem

General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop