To Those Without Hope
I just got off the phone with my father. For those of you who don't know, he is an atheist. He is a logical thinker, someone who doesn't believe in anything unless he can see it and verify it with his own eyes. (You can see how this might be hard for him to believe in God, who is invisible.) I understand his reasoning for not believing, but I also disagree. However, my goal isn't to debate with him, argue my points, or shove my faith down his throat. I am called to love him and respect him, and that also involves listening to him. I don't mind listening to his thoughts and viewpoints, as he has his own background, experiences, and worldview that has shaped his thoughts and beliefs. My truths are not his truths, nor are they your truths, but my goal in writing has always been to help others find hope and encouragement.
As I listen to my father, I hear over and over that his greatest for not believing in God, is that God has never helped him or done anything for him. Yet, when I hear his story of how he fled Laos after the Vietnam war, and escaped persecution and death, I have no doubt that it was by God's hand, favor, and grace. When he says God hasn't helped, I believe he is referring to all the loved ones in his life who have died. His dad, mom, brother, sister, daughter, sons, and so on. In my father's eyes, God was not there. God did not heal, help, or do anything to save their lives; therefore, God is nonexistent. To my father, God doesn't exist and if he does, He is not good, loving, holy, or powerful.
In addition to not believing in God, my dad isn't very trusting of others. I feel like he's always looking over his shoulder, just anticipating and waiting for someone to lie, cheat, or steal from him. He's very negative and always on edge. Additionally, he has PTSD, from being in the Vietnam war (fighting alongside the Americans), and several other health issues. Each day, he seems to be getting more weak and frail. I feel sad for him and think, what a terrible way to live--one without hope, trust, faith, or peace. Like I wrote in my last blog post, You are loved, I want to him to know how much God truly loves him. We may have been hurt by others (who were supposed to love us) or not believe we are lovable, but it doesn't change the fact that God does love us! (You can read more in that post).
So, my father and I go back and forth discussing our beliefs, and though I've never really tried to force or pressure him into believing in God, I will tell him how God has helped me. Today I said, Dad, whether there is a God or not, whether Heaven is real or not, those who believe in God have more hope. They have something to believe in, and it's important to believe in something because it's what grounds us and helps us when nothing or no one else can. (Though I personally believe John 14:6 that Jesus is the truth, the life, and the way). I told him, with tears in my eyes, how believing in God has helped me to love and appreciate him and my mother more, how it has helped me with depression and other trials, and how God is healing me and helping me overcome past traumas. It is God who teaches me how to become a better human being. Right now, my father is not willing to hear much of what I have to say, but I will continue to pray for him, for him to know God's love and the truth. John 8:32 tells us when we know the truth, the truth will set us free.
I am thankful for these conversations, even though it bothers me how depressing, lonely, and dark it can be for someone who has no hope, no faith, no trust, and no peace. I lived that life once, and I never want to go back. As someone who has come out of that, I want to bring hope, encouragement, and Jesus to others. Here is what I'd like to say to my father and others.
God is not far, distant, or unapproachable. He is very present, and He desires to help us. He will not harm us or betray us as others do. He is faithful, and He wants to give us strength, wisdom, and guidance, if we will only let Him. For He will deliver the needy when he cries, the poor also, and him who has no helper (Psalm 72:12). HAVE TRUST!
Fear can also steal our hope, peace, and joy. We cannot waste anymore time, being bound by fear of the unknown, people, or fear of the what-ifs. We don't have to constantly look over our shoulder or worry about someone doing us wrong. God is our Protector and Defender. Let Him do the fighting; the battle belongs to Him (2 Chronicles 20:15; 1 Samuel 17:47). The Bible tells us, Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10). HAVE FAITH!
There are so many Bible verses about peace; yet, we struggle to find it. Jesus says, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid (John 14:27). The world gives us everything but peace, so we must strive for peace and pursue it! We have to learn to let go of whatever we are carrying, give our cares to God, and in turn, receive God's peace. HAVE PEACE!
Moreover, our hope is in what comes after this life. Remember that this world is not all that there is. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). We must believe that there is more to this life. Our hope is in God, and we wait for Jesus' return, so we can be with him in Heaven, for eternity. HAVE HOPE!
It is possible to have peace, faith, trust, and hope, regardless of our circumstances, past, hurts, fears, and failures. Do you believe it? One passage that I live on daily is this: Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). We are not to fret about anything. But by prayer, we can tell God about all of our fears, concerns, and matters. Let God in, and let God help. He can restore us.
Let us pray.
Dear God,
Some may not know You as a loving Father, Lord, or God. They may be overwhelmed, drowning, or tied down with hurt and pain. I pray that You would make Yourself known to them this day. Reveal Yourself to them, please. Soften their hearts. Bring healing and salvation to them. Make Yourself real to them. Remove the scales and blinders from their eyes. Quiet the noise, distractions, and voice of the enemy. Cover them with Your love, mercy, forgiveness, and grace. I know You are not blind to their suffering. Penetrate their hearts Holy Spirit, so that they may they again trust, find hope, have faith, and peace. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Prayerfully,
Pam
