When Hope Feels Lost.

One of the most difficult things we will endure is the trials of this life. Some trials come as a result of our choices, and some just come. Either way, they can shake our foundation and cause us to lose hope.

Today, I held a friend in my arms as she wept while I prayed over her. She was blindsided by an event that was out of her control. Her broken heart is filled with despair and betrayal; her only choice is to fight on her knees and trust God with the outcome. Even if that outcome is not what she hopes for or deserves.

I don’t know about you, but I love to listen to Christian music that speaks the words of my heart. Those lyrics become my prayers to God. Often, a song will reflect on my current season, and I’ll listen to it repeatedly, singing those words out to God as my heart’s cry and prayer. For me, one of those songs is “Stay Strong” by Danny Gokey. The first part of the song goes like this:

“I’ve been waitin’ for breakthrough; I’ve been prayin’ for change
I know You’ll work it all for good, but how long will it take?
I’ve been asking for healing, and I’m not gonna lie
I’m ready for the miracle; God, let it be this time.”

Oh, how those words resonate with me.

I, too, have been living through a trial. I’ve been in it for years. But unlike my friend, this time, mine is the result of choices that I made long ago. I have prayed and prayed over it, with what seems like no change, and honestly, my hope is shaken. At times, I wonder if I’ll ever get to the other side.

This is where the song ministers to and speaks the words of my heart because I have been praying for a breakthrough and asking for healing, and I am ready for a miracle. However, it’s in the second part that these words truly become the cry of my heart and my prayer:

“But if I never see the promise on this side of the grave
My hope might be shaken, but my faith will never break
Because I know the day is coming when You’ll right all of the wrong
So I’ll praise You in the waiting, and my faith will stay strong.”

Those words remind me that for the Christian, there is a day coming when He will right all the wrongs, even if we don’t experience them here on earth, and that even if our hope feels shaken, our faith can remain strong.
That’s the promise of the Gospel!

You may be reading this, and you, too, are in the midst of a trial. Whether it came out of nowhere like it did for my sweet friend or, like me, as the result of your own choices, it’s hard. The longer it lasts, the more difficult it can be to endure and to hold onto your hope.

Here is what I’ve learned: although we can’t control the strength or duration of the trial, we can control how we choose to posture our hearts as we go through it. “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

We can also hold tight to His word and rest in His assurance “that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

The heartache of trials and tribulation is inevitable in this life, but when we have Jesus by our side, we know that we never have to go through it alone, “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8

We won’t always understand why God allows us to experience some of our difficulties and hardships, but we can know that through these trials, God wants to purify our hearts and grow our faith in Him. “In this, you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:6-7

Whatever the reason is for the trial, we can be confident that He will see it through in us, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6

And we can take comfort in knowing that God’s purpose for our life is to prosper us and give us hope, “For I know the plans I have for you’ declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Even as I sit here writing this, these scriptures minister to my own heart because I can get so swept up in the circumstances and struggle during a trial that I lose sight of God and His goodness for my life. But He never lets me go too far, and in His perfect mercy, I always find myself back in the arms of my Redeemer.

Friend, I know how difficult and unfair some of the things we go through can be. I know what it feels like to cry more tears than you have and feel more pain than you think you can bear. I know the ache of regret and the brokenness of betrayal. I understand the depths of loss and destruction of loneliness. I know how it feels to plead for an end to suffering.
I know.

But here is something that I know more than all of that: in my lowest moments, when doubt, fear, and despair creep in, and I have nothing left, Jesus comes for me.
It’s always Him who speaks into my heart and brings me back to life.

Friend, God’s love for you is unwavering, and His compassion for you is unending, “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10

He wants to pour out His grace and restoration power over you, “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10

But most of all, He loves you and gave His life to save yours, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not
perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

So, no matter your circumstances, always remember that God loves you and He is for you.

More than anything, I want to encourage you today that when you feel like you have nothing left, all of your hope feels lost, and you can’t find the strength to endure, know that hope is so much more than a feeling; Hope is a person, and that person is Jesus.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13