The time to gain hope is now, today, at this very moment. When all the events begin (and the convulsing events have no yet started) it will be too late to gain hope. Hope is oil for your lamp and it cannot be bought at the last minute.

Hope demands a faith in God’s power and a belief that he loves you. All believers know that God is almighty but he seems distant, living in heaven but not acting upon earth.

You ask, “Will God act for me?” You say, “I have little faith. I frequently fail. I am not strong. I quickly grow afraid.” These are your fears. Cast them away. In the presence of the mother, the child does not think of itself because his mother is on the scene.

I will prepare you for the events but you must store up the oil of my hope now.