Hope

As many of you know, some trials and challenges have hit heavily  in my life and in the life of my husband in the last months.  My husband has been first in an assisted living facility and now in a skilled nursing home since January of this year.

It is easy to become discouraged in times like these, but God promises us hope in times of trial, if we just latch on to the hope He promises.  This is not a wishful thinking type hope, but it is a hope which is sure and solid even in the midst of our fickle and wavering emotions.  The hope God offers is based on His sure character and sure promises.  His hope reminds me that that I need not be in a chronic state of anxiety or panic.  The Lord and His hope promises me that He will guide me step by step, and that things will work out according to God's perfect plan.  Hope tells me that life will never be easy, but the Lord has overcome the world.  God's purpose will be fulfilled in the world and in my life.  Hope tells me that the Lord has an eternal love for me.  His hope reminds me that the Lord is growing me in my character through the difficult trials. God's hope reminds me to focus on the unseen and not on the seen and also on what is still good in my life.  

I have a little plaque in my home which says "PRAY WAIT TRUST."  Lord, help me to pray and then wait for Your perfect timing by trusting in You and resting in Your Hope.