A father and husband in Pakistan had lost everything. His family was destitute. He had even started borrowing money and the debt grew to more than he could repay. He sold everything he dared and still his family’s financial life was hopeless. So hopeless that he and his wife decided to take poison one night to commit suicide. They would also feed the poison to their two children.

The man turned on the radio for background noise before taking the poison. What happened next was miraculous. The Christian announcer began talking about suicide and urged listeners not to do it. The man and his wife listened. For the first time in many months, they had a glimmer of hope as they heard about the One who could give them hope – Jesus.

They didn’t commit suicide that night. Or ever. In fact, after listening for many days to that station, they came to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Hope keeps us alive.

If life is beating you up right now, there’s hope. The Lord Jesus Christ gave his life so you could have yours. In fact, he said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV)

Satan wants to steal your joy and kill your hope. When you believe his lies, you lose perspective. Your problems overwhelm you. A crisis owns you. Emotionally, you spiral down. For our friend in Pakistan, this went on for months, to the point that he wanted to end it all for himself and his family.

Your situation may not be as bad as his, but you may be tired of walking around overcome by a heavy heart. You’re ready for a change.

God is a God of miracles. He can lift you out of your despair and snatch you from the one who wants to destroy you. Jesus promises a life of fulness. That means one of contentment, joy, peace and satisfaction. One where you connect to God in a fresh way. Whatever has taken away your hope will be dealt with by God so you can experience him.

Is your hope in Jesus? Not only for your salvation, but for your daily life? Can you give him those things that have taken away your hope? Can you take your eyes off today and consider your eternal destiny with God?

The big picture is that “we wait for the blessed hope — the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13 NIV) You and I will spend eternity with Jesus and witness his glory. That’s an incredible thing to look forward to.

For this moment, in this trying season, God is right there with you. Psalm 55:22 has these assuring words, “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you.” (NIV)

The Lord will give you hope now, and he is your hope for eternity. That’s good news.

Spend time today casting your cares on God. Turn to Jesus and invite him to replace your despair with his hope. He offers you life to the full.

(Experience a fresh intimacy with God in prayer in my devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Incredible Prayer. Available in Kindle and Paperback formats on Amazon).