Q: Why does hope sometimes seem so elusive?

A: Our soul feels, and hope may sometimes seem elusive, yet hope is still solid when our life is built on trust in Jesus Christ.

Hope seems elusive because this world is full of storms. Having hope does not mean the wind and rain will be removed in time of trouble. Hope, to the believer in Jesus, is the anchor that keeps the soul calm and secure in times of adversity. (See Heb 6:19.) Christians are not exempt from conflicts, and we often find ourselves tossed by life’s wind and waves. The abiding hope of heaven, based on God’s promises, keeps us steady.

When we feel days are dark and we’re losing hope, God wants us to cling to His promises in the Bible. “I know the plans I have for you, plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope” (Jer 29:11).

To “wait for the Lord” means to bind by twisting. (See Psa 37:9.) When a vine twists its way around a trellis, it gains stability from the strength of the trellis during storms. In the same way, we draw strength and stability from God by filling our minds with His promises from the Bible. Personally applying God’s promises provides hope that these current storms will pass.

The Bible declares, “Blessed be God who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Cor 1:4).

Have you ever wished you were someone else? You would be wrong to wish for that. The world is a mess by man’s choices, not God’s. He can take your sadness and turn it for good as you assist another person going through a similar tragedy. Only you can lead someone to God’s comfort by your personal experience.

While traveling on stormy seas, Paul, under God’s direction, instructed the centurion that no one should abandon ship. (See Acts 27.) They proceeded to cut away the life boats to prevent escape options for prisoners on board. Although the ship crashed onto a reef, not one person was lost as they floated to shore on pieces of wreckage. If we jump ship, we may lose blessings God has right around the corner. We could miss opportunities which would bring great fulfillment. God most likely has ministry for you to others in the same boat.

Memorize the promises of God you find in Scripture. Get entangled in them. Our first heartbreak is usually not our last. Counsel born in the head usually reaches the head. Counsel born in the heart reaches another heart. 

Hebrews 11:1

Pastor Huck: