Hope in Hard Times

Storms of life are common. Often we are just heading in, heading out or caught in the middle of one. In tough times some turn away from God; others draw close to Him. He promises hope in hard times.

Striking images of global suffering, unforgettable portraits of tragedy in our communities and in the lives of people we love touch us. Some of you may have experienced loss; sickness, divorce, depression. In ministry or leadership there can be the surprise of betrayal in relationships, unexpected exit of team members or deep hurt from the pain of sin. Hard times seem to be a breeding ground for tough questions. Universally, people wrestle with the following questions: Why would God allow this? Personally, people ask, Why me? Why this? Why now?

A few years ago a tough storm hit me. My husband of 28 years, Jesse, was diagnosed with ALS also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Life expectancy: 2-5 years. The onset was sudden, with no warning. We responded with a wave of questions. Why? How would we tell our 4 daughters? How would this affect their faith? What will happen to our family? What about our church plant? Though we didn’t have answers to our questions, we knew that there was a difficult and painful path ahead. 1 Peter 4:12 says, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering.”

Asking why is a starting point in a storm but it’s not the place to camp. We must keep moving down the road of questions.  God can handle our questions. It’s okay to ask but there aren’t always answers. Knowing the answers won’t lessen the pain. There needs to be movement from “Why” to “What now?”

I know I am not alone. Our storms have different intensities and lengths but the unchanging solution remains the same. Run to God, not away from Him.  God’s way of healing and giving hope is contrary to our fast-acting, instant answers culture.  His way seems to be more like slow release, a stitch-by-stitch process of hope as we spend time in His presence, taking refuge under the shadow of his wings.

As I journeyed through questioning, I found the promises in God’s word to be my greatest source of strength, comfort and hope. Trust in His word. It’s true. His word answers the “What now?” question. Romans 12:2 “Rejoice in hope, be patient in affliction, be faithful in prayer.” First of all, rejoice in hope. When you feel like you can’t rejoice in your circumstances, rejoice in the hopeful anticipation of what God will do in them and through them.  Be patient in affliction. Wait as the Lord works everything in conformity with the purpose of his will. Lastly, be persistent and faithful in prayer. The way through is prayer, not despair.

Learn to be a care-caster. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you.” To cast literally means “to throw off”. Your burdens need to be removed from you and given to Him. His word says all your cares, no exceptions! He wants you to cast the unique set of circumstances that trouble you on to Him.  As you become a care-caster, remember to commit yourself and your situation into the Lord’s hands. Pray continually, asking for wisdom, strength and guidance. Surrender your situation to God and let Him resolve it however and whenever.

God knows our suffering. Jesus suffered everything we’ll ever suffer and more: physical pain, betrayal, loneliness and abandonment. God promises one day He will end all evil and suffering. This is not our home, and all suffering here will not last. 1 Peter 1:6 says, “for a little while you must suffer…” In light of eternity, earthly trials are short.

Know that God promises to give hope in all storms. He uses hard times to build character, draw people to Himself and bring about his purposes. He gives Himself and He gives hope in hard times.

Romans 5:5, “And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

(Kathy Morales is a gifted teacher and conference speaker who has a passion for introducing people to Jesus. She loves to facilitate opportunities for women to experience personal and spiritual growth. Kathy is the Women’s Ministry leader at the Canadian National Baptist Convention. She also serves part-time as a corporate chaplain for Outreach Canada. Recently widowed, she cherishes the time she spends with her 4 daughters, 3 son-in-laws and five grandchildren. Kathy’s husband Jesse was a church planter/pastor for 15 years before his death in 2009. She misses being a ministry wife.)