147. Learning From History — Aneel Aranha

Hello and welcome to The Hope Podcast. I’m Aneel Aranha. Today, we will talk about how the darkest moments of history can be a tipping point for change.

As we can all see clearly, we are in one of the worst moments in human history. We have never been this close to global annihilation. I know this is terrible, but we can take hope from the words of Admiral Jean-Luc Picard. He said: "History's darkest moments can be a tipping point for change." 

I agree, not simply because I am a die-hard optimist like Picard but also because I am a person of faith. (Perhaps the two go together.) Besides, human history has revealed that there is always great light after periods of terrible darkness. 

We see this truth reflected in Scripture. After King Solomon died, the kingdom split into two: a northern kingdom, which retained the name Israel, and a southern kingdom called Judah. There were occasionally good and god-fearing kings who ruled wisely and well. These led to periods of prosperity. However, instead of turning toward God in gratitude, they turned away from him, using the blessings they received to lead lives of indulgence and depravity. 

Eventually, as happens when we overspend and run out of credit, they encountered hard times that became progressively worse. Only when things became really terrible did they turn toward God again. Then, the good times came, and the whole cycle repeated itself over and over. 

Although we are in another terrible period of human history, the good news is that in a few years (if not a few months), people will turn to God again as the only solution to their problems. Those of us who believe in him must get ready to guide them back home. For this, we need to be well acquainted with our God. This is only possible with much intimacy, which can be obtained only through time spent with him in personal prayer and a deep understanding of his word. 

When we are all well-rooted in Christ, we can be his welcoming face to those seeking him. This time, however, let us learn from history because, as the saying goes, those who don't learn from history are condemned to repeat it! Let us not repeat the same mistakes we made in the past.

God bless you.