My understanding of God has changed through the years, but one thing hasn’t changed: I know that God is a God of hope.
Do I get discouraged at times? Yes. Do I struggle against God’s plan — sometimes when it’s clear and sometimes when it’s not? Yes. Do I sometimes call myself “Oh-me-of-little-faith”? Yes.
But all that stuff about me doesn’t change that one bedrock thing I know about God: He is all about hope. I don’t determine who God is. My emotions and my circumstances don’t change God — and I certainly don’t get to define him, either.
So have a found myself in some desperate situations? Yes. Do I know other people in some desperate situations? Yes, yes, yes. Some of them are reading this blog right now. But I also believe that God doesn’t abandon me in any desperate situation. I believe that he brings hope to each and every struggle I face … that he brings himself to each and every struggle I face.
- The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18 NASB)
- May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 NIV)
In Your Words: How has God been your hope in a tough situation? How can I pray for you today — you can share here or email me at beth@bethvogt.com.
[Tweet “In Others’ Words: The God of Hope #InOthersWords #LifeQuotes #faith”] [Tweet “”God doesn’t want us to be trapped in desperate situations without hope.” #quotes #BethKVogt #writer”]
I’m celebrating the release of my latest destination wedding novel with a Grand Prize Giveaway worth over $150! Join the fun and enter for a chance to win here!
[Tweet “Enter @bethvogt ‘s $150 Grand Prize #giveaway celebrating her new destination #wedding novel! http://bit.ly/29Swlap #amreading”]
Comments 12
I had a pastor once who preached about being confronted by a mountain. He couldn’t get through it or around it. The only way to the other side was up. In life, although we can only see that huge wall of rock before us, God can see over to the other side. He knows where we’re going and how to get there.
Thank you for the reminder that He is always the God of hope and He’ll never forsake us.
Author
Angie:
Thank you for the reminder that God’s perspective is different from ours — it’s better.
I love this post, Beth. This year has been full of tough situations, but I have felt God’s precious presence alongside me every step of the way. So many times we just want God to make these difficult times go away, but most often, He wants to impart His strength to us to push through them.
I prayed for you this morning before my feet hit the floor. You can just pray for my Tom, who has had so much to endure the last few weeks. But we are certain God will carry him through. Blessings!!
Author
Susan:
Thank you so much for praying for me — what a precious gift. And I will be praying for your Tom. <3
I used to look forward to each new day – now I know it’s just going to hurt.
But by God’s grace I will keep looking for something good and worthwhile in every moment, even if that moment is sitting and trying to breathe around pain and fatigue. The moment’s there anyway. May as well use it.
Author
Andrew: On a much smaller scale, I understand ongoing pain. Your refusal to give in, to not quit, inspires me. I.N.S.P.I.R.E.S. That’s exactly the word I wanted to use. Keep using your moments, my friend. They matter. You matter.
Good words, Beth. I love that God is a God of HOPE. I can’t imagine living this life without that truth.
God’s been my hope in times when situations didn’t turn out as I’d hoped. He’s so gracious and reminds me that His plans for me are perfect, even when they’re different from my own. 😉
Author
Yes, Jeanne — God’s plans for us are perfect — especially when they are different than our own. 🙂
I love this quote and blog post, especially in the midst of feeling desperate during this election year. I get reminders every few days that God is my hope, not a candidate. <3 So happy and relieved to read this today.
Author
Kim — the election year … GAH! So frustrating … so hope-deflating.
But God is our source of hope. God is the one I look to … not a candidate.
Me too. Thank God for God. <3
I remember losing my job once, right after I had quit a sure thing to work on a grant-funded job. I was totally surprised by my reaction which was, I wonder what door God is going to open next. Well, He opened the door to me helping my friend write a half-million dollar grant in the Abstinence Program–which we got along with a job at 2x the pay of the previous grant-funded job. 🙂 that’s just one incidence where God has given me hope.