Recently, I experienced an extremely vivid trance in which I found myself walking down a lone railroad track in the middle of a vast desert for days. Under the scorching sun, the heat was unbearable. Hot, sandy winds made it extremely difficult for me to see. Only an empty train track appeared under my feet, extending into the distance, the track shimmering and distorted by heat waves—an otherworldly scene.
I labored to walk along the endless track, hot, tired and thirsty. My head throbbed, my lips were parched and cracked, my legs trembled, ready to collapse. Although I was exhausted, I knew that I must press forward. Something within kept urging me onward. The desert was not the place to give up, nor to stop.
Hellish Hallucinations and Demonic Distractions
In the midst of my resolve, I was tempted by a strong deception—an overwhelming desire to step off of the track. In the delusion, I saw a beautiful oasis filled with alluring shade trees, waterfalls and the joyful sounds of a feast, a party in full swing. I heard welcoming voices calling to me with the most enticing tone, “Come over here where there is plenty of water! Why stay on that old track?”
I realized the lovely oasis was merely a mirage, an hallucination from hell—though the temptation was almost irresistible—and that the battle was real. It was imperative that I remain on the train track. I rejected their invitation and heard them mock me, laughing and saying, “You don’t know what you’re missing!”
At last I saw a speck of light in the distance—and asked God what it signified. He replied in a comforting, reassuring tone, “The light is hope!”
My heart overflowed with gratitude for God’s promise of hope. I felt renewed strength, encouragement and energy because God had promised that hope was on its way.
As my heart was overcome with thankfulness, the ground began to shake and tremble. The little ray of hope in the distance was now upon me! What had been a speck of light became a bright beacon flooding the landscape with divine radiance.
The next thing I knew, a massive silver train appeared in the distance—a mighty train of hope. As the fierce engine approached, the entire landscape trembled with its power.
Dear friends of God, don’t give up! God is a good God (Nahum 1:7) and His Hope, the Prince of Peace, is on the way (Hebrews 10:23). Take courage: God has heard your cry. Stay the course, stay on track. Spiritual hope, the Lord Himself, is at hand. He is a “very present help in time of need.”
How do we stay on track?
Study the Word and Abide in Faith
Scripture states that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. In order to live by faith and experience the tremendous blessings and pleasure of pleasing God, we simply believe that God’s Word is true, storing up His truth within our hearts—instead of focusing on circumstances and situations, problems and fears.
The writer of Hebrews offers great wisdom concerning overcoming disappointment and despair, stating,
Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward. For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised. Hebrews 10:35-36 AMP
Prayer
Mark 11:24 promises that “what things soever you desire when you pray, believe that you receive them and you shall have them.” John 16:24 promises that we can “ask and receive that your joy may be full.” Whatever you need, whatever you desire—according to the Word of God—ask your heavenly Father and He will provide it, without delay. His faithfulness and lovingkindness toward you are infinite and everlasting.
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
And whose hope is the Lord.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8
Take heart, dear saints of God! Lift up your head and reassure your heart! Let confidence return to your soul. Remember that HOPE IS NEAR! (Isaiah 40:31).
Pray this with me: Dear heavenly Father, I cast all my cares and anxieties into Your loving arms and choose to believe that Your promises are true. I trust that You will never, no never, no never forsake me. Help me to hear Your Word and abide in faith, trusting in You with all my heart. My hope is in the Lord—and I will not fear when heat comes.
