Fruitful Living
Hope – Seeing the unseen
“So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)
Introduction
Hope is one of the most powerful forces in a believer’s life. It serves as the bridge between our present struggles and the future promises of God. Hope allows us to focus not on our temporary circumstances but on the eternal truths of God’s Word. In a world filled with uncertainty, hope acts as an anchor that keeps us steadfast, reassuring us that what we do not yet see is still real and attainable.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:18: “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.“ This verse urges us to cultivate a faith that sees beyond our present trials and to hold fast to the promises of God.
Today’s article explores the significance of hope in the Christian journey and how it enables us to navigate life’s challenges with confidence in God’s promises.
Understanding Hope
Hope is a profound and dynamic force in the life of a believer. It consists of both an earnest desire and a confident expectation of obtaining an unseen promise. Hope is not merely wishful thinking but a deep-seated assurance that what God has spoken will come to pass.
The word hope in Scripture refers to the object of hope, the very thing we anticipate. Romans 8:24 states, “For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?” Hope is always directed toward what is not yet realised. Once something is attained, it no longer requires hope but rather gratitude.
Hope sustains us in times of difficulty. It is the confident expectation that God will fulfill His promises. This is why Paul encourages believers to remain hopeful despite trials, knowing that hope will anchor us through life’s storms.
The Power of Hope in Difficult Times
Proverbs 13:12 tells us, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” When our expectations are delayed, discouragement can set in. However, hope keeps us moving forward. Even when life feels unbearable, hope steadies us and reminds us that change is possible.
Every promise of God fuels our hope. The purpose of His promises is their fulfillment. His Word keeps our hope alive and pushes us to persevere. Jesus, in John 14:2-3, reassures us: “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” This promise is a beacon of hope for all believers.
Hope and Future Glory
Sin has corrupted creation, leading to frustration and decay. However, we have hope that one day all of creation will be restored. Romans 8:18-22 declares: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.”
To be continued…………
- By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee, the author
Fruitful Living
Islamic Position on Illicit Drugs (Part 1)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
All praise belongs to Allah, the Creator of mankind and Sustainer of the universe. We send blessings and salutations upon the noble Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), who was sent as a mercy to all creation, and upon his family, companions, and those who follow his path until the Day of Judgment.
Introduction
Illicit drugs have become a dangerous epidemic threatening our families, institutions, and future generations. Their impact is not only physical or psychological but also spiritual, tearing the fabric of morality, faith, and social cohesion.
Islam, a comprehensive way of life, provides guidance not only for acts of worship but also for health, personal conduct, and societal wellbeing. Addressing the menace of illicit drugs from an Islamic perspective gives us a moral framework and a roadmap for prevention, treatment, and societal healing.
The debate about illicit drugs use has gained significant attention in the public domain, especially following recent events at Keta Senior High School in Ghana. Reports indicate that students engaged in the destruction of school property, an action widely attributed to the influence of illicit drugs. This incident underscores the urgent need to address drug abuse among the youth.
Definition of Illicit Drugs from Literature
Illicit drugs are defined as substances that are either strictly prohibited by law or misused outside of their intended medical purpose. Ray, O. (1978) define illicit drugs as “substances that affect the central nervous system and alter brain functions, causing temporary changes in perception, mood, consciousness, and behavior” (p. 5).
Examples include heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD, tramadol (when abused), and marijuana (in jurisdictions where it remains illegal).
Definition of Illicit Drugs in Islamic Perspective
Is anything that clouds the mind (muskir), causes addiction, or leads to destructive behaviour is forbidden (haram). The Qur’an strictly prohibits intoxicants in multiple verses:
“O you who believe! Intoxicants, gambling, sacrificing to stones, and divination by arrows are an abomination of Satan’s handiwork. Avoid them so that you may be successful.” (Qur’an 5:90)
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) further said:“Every intoxicant is khamr, and every khamr is haram.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2003)And also,“Whatever intoxicates in large quantities, a small quantity of it is also forbidden.” (Sunan AbuDawood, Hadith 3681).
Scholars like Ibn Qayyim and Imam Nawawi emphasised that the objective of Shari’ah is to preserve the intellect (hifz al-‘aql), and that any substance which threatens this must be prohibited.
Modern narcotics fall under the category of khamr not in form, but in effect.
By Imam Saeed Abdulai
Fruitful Living
Rev. Stephen Arthur launches ‘The Journey From Under the Table
Founder and Head Pastor of Kingdom Family International Church in Accra, Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, has launched a new book titled: ‘The Journey From Under the Table.’
The launch was held last Sunday at the Potter’s Place Temple of Kingdom Family International Church in Accra.
The 143-page book, according to Rev. Arthur, was about one’s journey from his first breath and the rest of a journey towards a particular destination.
He noted that, “the destination often curated by the paths we choose and the decisions we make along the way. ‘The Journey From Under the Table’ is an incredible material that provides in-depth knowledge and understanding of God’s will for believers in the journey we have to take. Using Lazarus and the rich man as its case study (Luke 16:19-31).”
The book brings to life robust biblical lessons and practical principles that would serve as a repository of hope for the believer through every step of their journey.
Using the story of Lazarus as a backdrop, the author provides a clear transition from under the table to the top of it.
He delivers relevant scriptures, life lessons and juxtapositions that promise to hold the reader’s attention from chapter to chapter, while equipping the reader with essential knowledge and skills necessary to journey from obscurity to greatness.
For decades, Rev. Arthur has dedicated himself to the service of God. He is also a pastor, an accountant by training, a prolific author, a relationship and marriage counsellor, and a seasoned preacher who ministers under the apostolic and prophetic grace.
His ministry and publications over the years have been a tremendous blessing to people.
Some of these include The Fountain of Wisdom, Hope on Trial, The Fundamentals of Deep Worship and Prayer, Strategies and Dynamics for Warfare Prayers, The Unlimited and Unquenchable Anointing.
He has about 27 years of experience and insight in the aviation sector.
Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur is an aviation economist and policy expert, and currently, the acting Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme’
