Throughout the Bible God reminds his people to have hope. He promises that if we trust in him, we will see that the outcomes in our life will be good.
But how do we make sense of that when bad things happen? How do we keep the faith when we feel like our prayers are not being answered?
Have you ever been in a situation with a loved one when you know that the direction they’re headed will not end well? They insist they know what they’re doing and are sure you’re wrong. Sometimes they’re just too blinded by something to see what you are warning of. If you had the power to intervene and keep them on the “right path” – you would, wouldn’t you?
That’s what God does! He intervened to keep us on the path that leads straight to eternity with him. That’s the only place where total healing, restoration, and boundless joy can occur. To us it may seem like he doesn’t hear our prayers…but he does! And being able to see every moment of our life through to eternity, he knows exactly what the best answer is.
Sometimes the way God intervenes in a situation may not even be about me. Maybe there’s someone else who God is redirecting to ensure that their life story brings them to eternity with God.
Faith in God – knowing with all of your heart that someday it will all make sense – is not always easy. Trying to find the answers here on earth can be painful and exhausting. Sometimes there is no earthly answer that makes any sense. That is when we must cling to God and allow him to give us hope and peace. Turn to his word to remind yourself of his promises and his faithfulness.
Jesus said: “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NLT)
Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. (Romans 8:18 NLT)
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. (Hebrews 11:1 NLT)
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. (1 Peter 1:6 NLT)
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31 NLT)