In hope we live, we pray
For better things, for better times
In hope we move, we wait
For our lot to get easier and richer
In hope we are, we want
For brighter tomorrow than today
For bigger today than yesterday
And this hope keeps us going
No matter what comes and goes:
This hope, well guided and guarded
Will keep us thriving and abounding
No matter what life gives or takes.

This is the last weekend of this year. 2017 is going, going, … and will be gone in a matter of moments. This whole year that once stretched endless before our eyes, gone for good, never to return or be repeated. Such is life!

Many of us have seen many similar years come and go. One thing has ferried us across, from one hour to the other, from one year to the next and that one thing is hope. Hope of change, hope that the coming year will be better than the passing one, hope that life will offer higher and more glorious opportunities. Sometimes we have seen it better with the new, some others it has been worse but for as long as there is life, hope fuels our dreams for change, our hope for the better.

If truth must be told, Scriptures will be fulfilled. Much as I’d rather be the bearer of good news, yet if Scriptures must be fulfilled and truth be told: things will not get any better. Things will only grow worse with time as the coming of Jesus approaches. Much as we desire better, evil will abound as already confirmed by trends down the years. It is not that faith is ineffective or that hope disappoints. It is simply what it is, the times we live in. These times are not ours to determine, they are set to be fulfilled so let’s not waste precious resources where they are not meant for and hence won’t do any good.

In as much as the times are set, there remains a proper place for faith and hope, both of which are critical for success in these trying times. Channeled in accordance to God’s Word, our faith and hope will guide our feet to the place where we not only survive but also thrive despite the times we live in. Most of all, we need understanding of God’s Word and of the times and seasons, like the men of Issachar, in order to align our lives accordingly and not be swept away by what undoes others.

It is in these times of indifference and spite toward God that love for God and knowledge of His Word will run deeper. It is in these times of darkness that the sons of Light will rise and shine. It is in these times of grossness that the glory of God will be revealed like never before. And it is those who know their God and His Word, who will understand the times enough to be strong to do exploits. Without these, we can exercise faith and hope all we want without much to show for them. As you exit 2017, may your heart be guided, may your faith be effective and may your hope not be disappointed in 2018, amen!

Blessings
Glory!