Learning to hope again

Many of you have read my recent story and you envy the happy ending. You long for reconciliation and restoration but you’re too discouraged to pray. You’re tired of repeating the same requests, only to be left disappointed in waiting. You can’t imagine relief in your circumstances, because deep down, you don’t believe that God is near and caring. If my words resonate with you, it’s because I’ve been there.

My faith has not made me immune to pain but it has infused me with hope. When I was younger in my faith, I prayed big prayers hoping that God would zap me with supernatural health, wealth and happiness. Instead, he zapped me with opportunities to wait in discomfort, and to face my fears, failures and disappointments with hope.

“…we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. – Romans 5:3-5

Have you suffered physically or emotionally for your faith? Have you left your home or comfort zone? Have you been mocked or shamed for your beliefs? Have you faced ‘impossible’ circumstances and asked: “How long O Lord?” If God has written valleys into your story, take heart because you’re on a road that has been well-travelled. I think sometimes we lack hope because we compare our stories with those who have it better. Let me share some stories with plot lines that may encourage you to hope again:

• In faith, Abraham and Sarah left their homes to follow God, even though they did not know where they were going. In spite of their obedience, they still had to wait 25 years before God fulfilled His promises to them of a child.
• In faith, my friend M. celebrated her 30th birthday without a husband, house or holidays. While she desires these things, and has always dreamed of being a mother, she considers her spiritual blessings in Christ of greater and infinite value. 
• In faith, Moses chose to renounce his royal status to identify with God’s people. While he could have enjoyed the treasures of Egypt, Moses chose to be mistreated, because he looked forward to his heavenly reward.
• In faith, my husband prayed for his father’s salvation for over 12 years. Against his father’s wishes, he set aside a ‘secure’ career in Law so that he could train for pastoral ministry. By God’s grace, my father-in-law was baptised in the name of Jesus in 2017.
• In faith, my friend E. has put her trust in Jesus despite opposition from her family. Although she struggles financially, she turns down work shifts on Sundays because she regards fellowship with her church family of greater value.
• In faith, my friend J. continued to trust and serve God in the discouragement of unemployment. After waiting one year to land a new role, she did not shy away from telling her colleagues that she was a Christian. This year, God gave her the opportunity to share the gospel to a colleague in crisis and to read the Bible with her before work.
• In faith, Mary approached Jesus despite her unworthy track record. While the ‘good’ religious leaders took Jesus’ presence for granted, this woman wept at his feet in reverent humility. Although she entered the room as a ‘sinner’, she left with peace and forgiveness. (Luke 7:26-50)

If God has written valleys into your story, please persevere. I won’t pretend to know how you’re feeling. I definitely don’t intend to minimise your pain. I don’t know when or how God is going to answer your prayers. For some of you, your circumstances may never change and the pain of hoping and waiting will be life-long. But what I do know, is that God makes precious promises for those who hope in Him:

If your hope is in God, He will give you strength to endure: 

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. – Isaiah 40:30-31

If your hope is in God, He promises to save and to deliver:

A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love… – Psalm 33:16-18

If your hope is in God, there will be a day when you will never have to hope again:

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. – Revelation 21:4

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Once upon a time, I hated my story. I despised my character and resented my circumstances. I compared my story with those who seemed to have it all. But if I could speak to my 16-year-old self I would tell her to keep her head up, because very soon she will know who she is and where she is going. I would tell her that her mistakes and failures would produce character, resilience and faith. I would tell her that the Author of her story will one day come to pursue her heart, and to secure for her an ending without ashes.

Friends, please don’t let the years of waiting, break you. Don’t allow your heart to harden with bitterness and doubt. If you’re feeling weary in your wait, perhaps today is the day to break the silence and to ask God to help you to hope again.