By Have you ever been in a situation that seemed hopeless? I have, so many times.
I’ve been in circumstances that cause fear to grip at my heart and my faith to falter. I’ve felt depression wrap its arms tight around me and steal my breath. And I’ve felt hope slip further and further away into a deep abyss.
All exaggerations aside, have you felt this way too?
Looking back on these moments in life, I just smile, shake my head, and think if she only knew.
Hindsight is 20/20 guys, and if I had known then what I know now I wouldn’t have felt so hopeless.
Situations always seem so bleak when you’re in the midst of it, but I can promise you that there is always hope.
Saying that makes me cringe a bit at the cliche-ness, but it’s true and it’s biblical.
The bible says that the Lord our God Himself will fight for us.
The bible says that we are more than conquerors.
The bible says that we are victorious and that the battle is already won.
The bible says that He can do all things, and nothing is impossible for Him.
The bible says that we have a hope and a future.
And we can trust that this is all true, because our God is great and mighty. Our God is not a liar. Our God has not and will never fail.
When we have no hope and everything seems like it’s falling apart, we can put our faith and hope on the one thing that is secure: God.
Hebrews 6:13-20 explains it best. This passage, in some translations, is under the title “The Certainty of God’s Promise”.
This passage begins by speaking of Abraham. God came to Abraham and told him that he would be the Father of many nations, even when he and his wife had no children and were past the child bearing years.
Starting in verse 13, it says, “When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all arguments. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”
Let me just highlight some amazing things that are found in here:
- It is impossible for God to lie, so we can truly trust His word and His promises
- We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Our hope in Him is like an anchor, and it will hold us steady and in place.
- Abraham waited patiently, and eventually he received the promise. We won’t always get what is promised immediately. Abraham waited 25 years for his son, but God still delivered. God doesn’t always work on our timetable, but that doesn’t mean He’s not working. God’s timing is actually the perfect timing, and we can trust that He will deliver perfectly.
Romans 4:18-21 is another great passage of scripture, and it too references Abraham.
“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead —since he was about a hundred years old —and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”
This right here just fires me up!
Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed, and so became the father of many nations as God had promised.
Even though it seemed impossible, Abraham believed. Why? Because he was fully persuaded that God had the power to do what He had promised.
And that, my friends, is amazing! We need to learn from this.
Stop putting faith in people. Stop placing your hope in things that are subject to change. And start putting your hope in the one stable, unchanging force: Jesus Christ.
When it seems like there’s no hope; when hope feels so far away; or when hoping feels like a wistful dream, place your faith in your God and against all hope believe. Yes, you can face reality, just as Abraham did, but don’t let facts or reality shake your beliefs. Do not let your faith weaken; do not waiver.
Instead, stand on the Word and be fully persuaded that God has the power to do what He says He will do. Stand firm in your faith.
Isaiah 40:31 says that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. So today trust that your God has got your back, His promises are true, and He is working even now. Let your strength be renewed.
Hope is not lost, friend.
I encourage you today in this: against all hope, in hope believe that God will come through.
Stand firm in your faith (1 Cor. 16:13). Grab a hold of your hope, and let it be an anchor for your soul, firm and secure.
Maddisen Sauls is the smile and voice behind the Everyday Joy blog as well as the author of the Word of the Week posts and the editor of by leaps and bounds. Throughout her life, Maddisen has worked as a reporter for small town newspapers, a School Age and Preschool teacher, and has acquired her ministerial license.
An avid book reader and lover of the written word, Maddisen is passionate about using her favorite medium to reach the lost and the hurting, and to offer encouragement and hope to those struggling through life.
Following her battle with depression, Maddisen has made it her mission to help other people through this journey and to bring joy to the lives of the people around her.
You can find Maddisen on Instagram @maddisen.paige
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