Hope for Hurting World

I am apologizing upfront for where this blog post will lead; the way my mind thinks is sometimes disjointed as I write. Even so, I will go with the flow (I say this as I smile) and pray that this will speak to someone, maybe even to you.

For the past 9 months or so I've been writing my testimony for another website which I'll share about later. I can't remember how many times I've stopped and started again. I don't like to look back but every time I do, I thank God for what He's done through those times and because of them.

I've met many people over the past few years who've written me for encouragement, prayer and help. I can't help but to feel for all of them, being reminded that I, too, have been where they are, and it's only by God's grace that I've been able to stand up after falling so many times. Although many of them did not come from abusive backgrounds, they share a common bond: they are believers who struggle knowing and understanding God and his purpose for their lives and developing intimacy with him. It's difficult to be sitting on the fence where you're stagnant and don't know which direction is better: the world, or the Word. Many of them experienced both. I did as well and don't ever want to go back.

I have been challenged this week with certain things. I seem to struggle in certain areas and will never say that I have attained all there is in the spiritual walk with Jesus. I want more, but having more means complete and willful surrender which, for me, needs to be done daily. It is challenging, but sometimes what seems to be more challenging is simple faith. A belief in the fact that God does really love us and cares about everything in our lives, and will do what He promises. Not just for the super-spiritual believer, but for those with a simple faith who trust Him. I also am learning how much we need to ask Him for things.

Many times I've heard from other well meaning believers that God does not need us to ask him everything like what to eat that day, what to wear, what to do in certain situations. Although I can see their point, what would happen if we talked to Him about everything? Even simple, insignificant things or things that would not be answered specifically by scripture? And what if He said something back? In some cases He speaks through our mind; in other cases, an audible voice and so on (He is without limit). Would you expect a response? And if it happens, would you be in shock? Having a relationship where I can hear God speak and know His voice above all else is something I desire more and more. I think so many believers have never experienced His genuine kindness in responding to our earthly cares and worries and don't know that it exists. But He already knows what's on our heart; we should ask in expectation with the understanding that He cares about each and every part of us and will answer us when we ask.

John 15:5

⁵"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. ⁷If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. ⁸This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 

  ¹⁶You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.

When God answers prayer and fulfills our heart's desires, it not only brings us joy, it glorifies God!
But, what happens when we have to wait?

I'm thankful for many, many things. Sometimes even for the simplest of them. I don't ever want to be ungrateful, even for the difficult times. Although I live in a country where we're prosperous compared to the rest of the world, sometimes life has it's way of defeating us, and leaving us with little hope. Yes, I have clothes, food (I can always use credit, but I'm just making a point), health and freedom. But even so, I've often wondered why I may go through something difficult, and how emotionally exhausting and challenging it can be. To be honest, things in my life can have a tendency to spiral downwards before they somewhat settle again; I never know what's going to happen and almost need to keep my guard up just in case. Why am I still perplexed and fearful over situations, having lived as a believer for nearly 24 years? I've had to learn patience with raising my kids and dealing with life, yet I still wish I didn't have to wait so long for any breakthroughs. Nor do I want to go through the process of dealing with issues any more than I have to. With all that said I sometimes need to remind myself that I do have the promises of a loving Father, and the ability to trust Him as I wait.

I have been reminded a few times this past week the importance of endurance for every believer; this is from a blog I read by John G. Elliot at just the right time:

    God puts a high premium on endurance.  It appears that a primary role of trial, testing and tribulation (another word for “trouble”) is to produce this most singular character trait.  Consider this passage:
            “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” (James 1:2)
            Endurance is an essential component of maturity.  “And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:3)  Yet, there is something deeper still.  This maturity or “completed state” of the disciple is found in Love.  Love’s first description is that of patience (I Corinthians 13:4). Patience and Endurance are twins. 

 So I again I remind myself to be thankful for the things that may not make sense at the moment, for very difficult circumstances, knowing that somehow He will hear me and answer me, and will use these difficulties to produce something in me that otherwise I would not have. Because I know God is truthful and will not lie, I am assured that all of His promises given in His Word are true for me, even though I may have to wait. And for those who are unsure, I encourage you to keep a journal. Write down all of your concerns as you have a quiet moment with God, and pray over each of them. Ask for Him to show you what to read that day, and spend time to quietly listen. It's okay if you don't "hear" anything or know what to do; just go through the scriptures from the beginning of a book to the end. Write down what strikes you more than normal, and the promises He gives. Think and pray about those verses. When you begin to see prayers answered, mark it off in your journal so you always remember. This will be an important step to help build your faith and to learn to trust Him.

Many people who I communicate with have little hope. Without hope, there is a stagnant life, one not worth living. How my heart hurts because of this, and how often I still go through feelings of hopelessness. But as believers, not only are we given His Spirit, we are given His promises, and because of this, we have what others do not have: hope in the most difficult situations.

Isaiah 49:23  ~ Those who hope in me will not be disappointed. 

May this Word remind you that He is faithful and will do what He promises in our life and for those you may be praying for.