By Carol Round – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”—Isaiah 40:31 (NIV).
Isaiah 40:31 is one of my favorite Bible verses. When I read or recall this scripture, my heart soars as I imagine a magnificent eagle gliding in the wind. My hope is renewed and whatever negative thoughts are plaguing me scatter with Isaiah’s words.
Allowing our negative thoughts to lead us down a path of hopelessness is easy when we are overwhelmed with life’s trials. But God never promised His children an easy life. In John 16, Jesus is preparing the disciples for what lies ahead for them after His death. They will face persecution and death as they continue the work Jesus has called them to—go and make disciples of all nations.
Jesus’ final words to them in John 16 are also a reminder for us today. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”(Verse 33).
We Will Face Trouble
In a recent morning devotional, author Grace Fox, wrote about “a tsunami of sadness that spanned ten weeks.” During that period, five friends passed away. The oldest was only fifty-three. During that time, her brother contracted COVID-19 and was in the hospital on a ventilator for nine days.
In addition, her confidence wavered when another family member sent an email criticizing her on the same day she was scheduled for a Facebook live broadcast. However, the writer pushed down her nervousness and put on a smile.
Recalling the scripture promise that Jesus’s followers would experience suffering (John 16:33—see above), she wrote, “It’s hard and it hurts, but we hold on to hope when we remember that it’s only temporary. Our season of suffering on earth is but a blink in time compared to the eternal joy we’ll experience in heaven.”
Hope: An Anchor for Our Soul
American theologian and pastor RC Sproil, once said, “Hope is called the anchor of the soul (Hebrews 6:19), because it gives stability to the Christian life. But hope is not simply a ‘wish’ (I wish that such-and-such would take place); rather, it is that which latches on to the certainty of the promises of the future that God has made.”
Why does God allow suffering in the first place? First, suffering and trials draw us closer to God. Second, our troubles refine our character to make us more like Jesus. Third, our troubles prepare us to be a witness to others. Our healing can be a source of encouragement to others who are struggling.
We can overcome our trials and suffering through faith in our Heavenly Father. Hebrews 10:23 is a wonderful reminder of His faithfulness: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” May it be so.
I always love hearing from my readers. Please e-mail me at [email protected] with your thoughts or visit my blog for more inspiration at www.carolaround.com. If you need a speaker or workshop leader, contact me at the above e-mail address or through my website. I’d be delighted to hear from you.
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