New Year's Day: Billy Graham Shares Words of Encouragement for 2018, Answers 'Where Was God in 2017?'

By Leah Marieann Klett
Billy Graham
Billy Graham, who currently resides in Montreat, North Carolina, this year ranks among the Gallup Poll's annual list of most-admired men for a record 61st time. Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

Ahead of the New Year, famed evangelist Billy Graham offered words of encouragement for those who endured a difficult 2017 and said that while God allows hard times to come, He provides eternal hope through His son.

In an advice column published this week by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, a reader asked the 99-year-old Baptist pastor to explain why God seemed so absent throughout the last year.

"I can't wait for this year to end. It's just been one problem after another-family sickness, a couple of deaths, financial issues, you name it. I begged God to solve them, but nothing happened. Where was God in all this?"

Graham first explained that the most important thing to remember is that "God knew what was going on in your life, and He deeply cared about you, even if it didn't seem like it at the time."

"In the midst of a terrible time for God's people, the prophet Jeremiah could still say, 'His compassions never fail' (Lamentations 3:22)," he said.

The pastor said he wished he knew why God allows hard times to come to us -- but admitted he doesn't fully understand.

"What I do know is that evil is real, and sometimes it seems to gain the upper hand, at least for a time," he said. "I also know that God knows all about evil and suffering, for His only Son, Jesus Christ, endured the suffering and death of the cross. But beyond the cross was the empty tomb, and because of Christ's resurrection, you and I can have hope-both now and forever."

When hard times come we can do one of two things, Graham said.

"We can either become bitter and turn against God, or we can turn in faith to Him, and find in Him the strength and hope we need," he contended. "Which will it be for you?"

As we anticipate 2018, Graham encouraged readers to turn to Jesus Christ.

"Ask him to come into your life," he advised. "Then ask Him to give you His strength and wisdom as you face life's challenges. Remember: When we know Christ, nothing 'will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord' (Romans 8:39)."

Graham, who currently resides in Montreat, North Carolina, this year ranks among the Gallup Poll's annual list of most-admired men for a record 61st time.  This year, he placed fourth behind Obama, Trump and Pope Francis.

BGEA notes that Graham has been among the top 10 most admired men every year since 1963 (except 1976 when the survey didn't happen). While he has never placed first (a spot usually reserved for U.S. presidents), he has been on the list more times than anyone else.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories