Abiding Hope: Standing in Faith When Life Is Crumbling a 3-Day Plan by Jackie Smith-BellSample

Abiding Hope: When Hope Is Deferred.

How do we abide in hope when hope seems hard to grasp? Nothing stirs up emotions quite like the ache of unmet expectations.

Proverbs 13:12 tells us, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life." Here, the word "deferred" refers to unending seasons of hopelessness that are perhaps so extended that we're tempted to believe God is distant and withholding good from us.

This false assumption is reminiscent of Eves' thoughts when she ate from the tree of good and evil. Relying on her ambitions instead of obeying God's instructions, Eve listened to the enemy and ate the forbidden fruit, maybe because she feared God was delaying her desires.

While fear is the root that entangles most of our emotions, the truth is we have a real enemy (Satan) who wants to destroy our faith and make us believe God doesn't have enough good to go around. But God won't withhold good from those who walk uprightly with Him (Psalm 84:11). Oftentimes, when God doesn't meet our expectations, it’s because His plans will exceed them (Ephesians 3:20).

Nothing is too difficult for God. He is the True Vine, and believers in Christ are the branches (John 15:5). Likewise, as disciples established by faith, we're instructed to "abide" in Jesus (John 15:4), who is our blessed hope (Titus 2:13).

Our ability to cling to God and His Word helps us understand He has our best interests at heart. John 15:7 says, "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you."

Abiding in God's Word changes our selfish ambitions into Christ-centered intentions because the Holy Spirit dwells within us. This indwelling refines our hopes to reflect The Father’s desires as we remain in relationship with Him.

Additionally, rather than grasping for emotions that won't sustain us, we can steady our hope in the One who doesn't grow weary or tired of holding us ... Jesus.

For the next two days, we'll gain hope in God's Word to strengthen our faith during difficult seasons by allowing biblical truth to develop our minds, direct our emotions, and transform our hearts. I invite you to stay the course with me!

Reflection: What deferred hope are you currently struggling with? How has today's devotional encouraged you to abide in God during seasons of waiting?

Prayer:

Dear God, thank You for the gift of Your Son Jesus, who is our blessed hope. In seasons of delay, help me to trust You more and more each day-- knowing that Your timing is perfect, and Your plans are always good for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.