Many people have become discouraged for America’s future this election season. Many have struggled to be optimistic amidst the divisiveness seeming to plague the country.
Pastor Rick Warren, however, says there is solid reason for hope.
He specifically lists five reasons he believes are reasons to hope in a “spiritual rebirth for America.”
First, he says, faith often grows the most in dark times. People realize they need God when times are hard. They realize they were made for more when nothing else fulfills them.
Second, millennials are asking the right questions. “They are spiritually hungry,” writes Warren. Many millennials are seeking real purpose and community. At Saddleback Church where he is senior pastor, Warren says there are over 30,000 members who are under the age of 35.
Third, there are still millions of God-fearing people living in America. Despite the fear that the church is dying, millions of people are still serious about their faith. “Millions of Americans live devoutly for God every day without fanfare — not out of guilt or fear or duty, but in gratitude and love to God for their transformed lives,” writes Warren.
Fourth, contrary to popular opinion, more people are turning to faith rather than to secularism. Warren cites research from the Pew Research Center stating that, between 2010 and 2050, the Christian Church will grow by about 100,000,000.
Lastly, God’s promise to hear prayer still applies. Warren cites 2 Chronicles 7:14 which says, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”