Qu Yuan was an important advisor in ancient China during the “Warring States” period (475-246 BC). He kept trying to warn his king about a coming threat that would destroy the whole country, but the king ignored him. When he later heard that his country had been destroyed, he ended his life.

Qu Yuan reminds me of Jeremiah. He too served kings who didn’t listen to his warnings. However, while Qu Yuan’s sadness made him give up, Jeremiah found the strength to keep going. What made the difference?

Jeremiah knew the God who offers us real, confident hope in the future. “There is hope for your descendants,” God had promised Jeremiah (JER. 31:17). Although Jerusalem was destroyed in 587 BC, it was later rebuilt (SEE NEH. 6:15).

At some point, we all find ourselves wanting to give up. It could be a bad exam result, an illness or family trouble. But when life knocks us down, we can still look up—God is still in control!

By: Poh Fang Chia

To Pray About . . .

Lord, You are my hope, always and forever. In any circumstance, I will hold on to You tightly.