It seems that people are constantly pressing for ways to solve problems. We have companies offering cure-alls for every disease known to man. Products are seemingly the best they can be, then all of a sudden, they are new and improved.

We have all the labeled celebrities to help us along the way if we will buy their book at $29.95. We have known people who will become philosophers, telling us all the problems of the world and then trying to convince us it’s our fault. It doesn’t take very long to find someone with all the answers.

It just amazes me that we have gone from the Garden of Eden, a perfect place until sin came, to here and now and we still haven’t figured out that we are the problem. I read a book once entitled, “The Only Way Out Is Up.”

The book told of a man who had been a prisoner of war. He was captured behind enemy lines and put in a 4-foot-by-4-foot hole in the ground. Without food and water for several days, he began to see the hopelessness of the situation. He frantically tried to figure out how to escape. After emotional and mental anguish took its toll, he realized there was only one way out. That way was up.

The only opening in the cell was a door that opened from the top. This meant that he was absolutely at the mercy of the guards and other authorities. He found that if he would just cooperate without giving up any secrets, it would make his imprisonment at least tolerable. After three weeks of agony, he finally got out into a normal cell and was completely thankful just for that.

I believe we are in much the same situation in life. We have ignored God for so long we have no idea where to turn. We are at the bottom of a pit with only one way out. If we have to be there to realize it, then so be it, but many of us today are far from this state and have an opportunity to let God bring us up from this torment and pain.

I am praying that you will not wait until you are at the worst place you can be before you understand that God has even since the Garden been patient and is still willing that none should perish but that all should come to repentance.

The fact is that this world is not completely hopeless. As long as God is allowing us to live here, there will be hope. The Apostle Paul, as well as many others, found themselves in seemingly hopeless situations only to realize that God is greater than any problem and through faith in him, he will help you.

I am praying that when you read this article, you will take the time to either acknowledge him as a Christian and thank him, or you will allow him through the Holy Spirit to convict you and convince you that he is very real. Then may we all take time to praise him for his greatness and power but, most of all, for his grace and mercy. Let him lead you today.

May God richly keep you in all that you do. Just remember – always look up!

Yours, looking up to God.

Ed Lockard, Minister,

Hardy Church of God