Changing Our World, One Voice Of Hope At A Time!

The current events of the world today have impacted families around the globe. Many feel attacked due to religious and political beliefs. The timing is perfect to turn to God for our strength, and to then, take that strength to our world.

Much of our strength can be found in the words we speak. Not words from our lips, but words from our hearts. Our friends, families, and communities don’t need shallow words; they need words of conviction that are demonstrated by our faith in action. Our words of hope are important. Personal connections can bring incredible results.

The Bible shares several examples with us about women whose words and actions changed their futures. In the book of Esther, we find this young woman replacing a queen, which helped save an entire race of people. Esther’s actions were well planned, and followed by approaching the king to move on behalf of the Jews. She was watching a massacre being planned for her people. Even if God would have used someone else, if Esther had been unwilling, the challenge was presented to her, and she courageously accepted it. She took the lead, and because she didn’t allow her fear to hinder her, evil was thwarted, and her people were saved.

Let us also remember Abigail in (1 Samuel 25). Her wisdom and soft answer to David saved much bloodshed that was going to happen because of her husband Nabal’s foolishness. While Nabal presented himself as a stingy, ill-mannered, and heartless man, Abigail rectified the situation with David, who was ready to kill. Abigail exemplified (Proverbs 15:1) in action, which tells us, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” A completely different scene and circumstances, but Abigail’s voice was the hope that saved the men of her household.

We can look at these women and their situations to learn some of the audible techniques of winning battles and offering hope. Because of fear and hostility, how many battles are lost? Remembering the words of Mordecai when he was speaking to his niece, Esther, in (Esther 4:14 “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Are the children of King Jesus not spiritually royal? Could it be that we too were brought to a time and position that are counting on us to set the stage for victories and deliverance? Do we not have direct access to the King of kings? Or maybe someone needs our soft answer to defuse a situation.

Between politics and the aftermath of the pandemic, we have seen the destruction in ways we never dreamed. Not only does the world need us to be the peacemakers, it needs our voices of hope for the turmoil all around.

How can each of us be a voice of hope?

Refraining from mud-slinging and bashing other people’s opinions will show others that we are approachable. This is important if we want to be a voice of hope.

Direct conversations in a positive direction.

Continuing to dwell on the negative is not helping anyone. Current events have overtaken many households, inducing fear and anger. If we believe that God is going to grant us peace through Him, we need to express this instead. We can’t afford to let hope die. Our world needs someone to continue carrying the message of the God who heals, gives strength, and delivers.

For the shut-ins who haven’t been able to leave their homes for months, we can be the voice that helps them through another day. We can be the vessel that changes the atmosphere at work with our genuine faith in God. Asking co-workers how they’re doing, listening as they answer, and offering them prayer if they would like can change a person’s world.

When we make the effort to reach out, and others catch the vision of doing the same, much like gathered raindrops, the efforts will accumulate and make a difference in the bigger picture.

Each of us can be used by God to help our world, if we are willing. Each voice of hope is one that offers courage, optimism, and expectation to others. Let’s get ready to change our world, one voice of hope at a time!