7 Reasons for Great Hope in 2014

The days in which we live are the best of times and worst of times. In 2013 while ministering in five continents, I found a lack of the fear of the Lord, economic problems and corruption in many places. But everywhere I went, I also witnessed fresh signs of the kingdom of God expanding in the nations.

According to 2 Timothy 3:1-2 (NLT), “In the last days…people will love only themselves and their money…be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.” Doesn’t that describe today’s world? Fortunately, the bad news is countered by the good news in Isaiah 59:19, “When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.”

I am convinced a praying church will usher in the standard that will halt the enemy. Just last week a pastor’s wife told me how Brazil was changed through prayer. She recalls as a child that on two occasions the Brazilian currency became worthless and her family threw it into the trash because it had no value. She also remembers the Brazilian government emptying her father’s savings accounts. God’s people prayed. Today Brazil has been revolutionized and has one of the best economies in the world. Best of all—Brazil has become a revival nation.

I am excited about the upcoming year. Here are seven reasons why I have great hope for 2014.

1. The revelation of the Kingdom of God worldwide is growing as we embrace living the kingdom in every area of society. The clergy-laity divide is decreasing with the realization that we are all called to be ministers.
2. Regardless of what happens in our governments, God’s global kingdom will stand strong. The Kingdom of our God is an unshakeable kingdom (Hebrews12:28).
3. Houses of prayer are being established around the world. As we continue to pray, we will see God do amazing things. God is always faithful, even when we at times feel faithless (2 Timothy 2:13).
4. Internet and social media make it easier than ever before to spread the Gospel to the world. The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14).
5. A growing group of young leaders throughout the nations are sold out to the purposes of God for their generation. It is time for a fresh revival that will be led by a young generation.
6. God is turning the hearts of fathers and mothers to their natural and spiritual children and vice versa. This hunger for inter-generational connection fulfills the prophecy of Malachi 4:5-6.
7. In each generation, whenever evil increases, God sends grace that will increase even more. 2014 is the year to experience the grace of God in your life like never before.

Let’s place our hope in God in 2014—live the Kingdom and transform our world.