ACTIONS THAT STRENGTHEN HOPE

Most of us think that if we had never known adversity and heartache in our lives, we would be living happy and contented lives today. 

People in addiction often cite painful injustice in their past as one of the factors in their downfall. Those events are not easy to confront and find healing for. 

All of us are learning though, the value and sense of empowerment that comes from admitting that it was our own actions and reactions to compensate for whatever caused us pain that resulted in us finding ourselves in a hopeless place. 

We are also learning, in the middle of challenges, to make a choice to trust a good God, and hold onto hope in His promises so we can endure what we need to and still come out of the experience as better people. 

We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. Romans 5:3b-4

Loving God, we need patience and trust from You in order to keep us steady during hard times.  We admit that we get into trouble when we are impatient and start to look for our own solutions to life’s situations. 

Developing patience isn’t the easiest process but it is something You call us to and promise us hope and peace as we live positively and patiently and allow Your wisdom to shine through to us.

Help us to trust you and wait, holding onto a sure hope  that You will give us the strength and courage we need, and to do our part, and You will also support us by acting on our behalf. In Your right time, we will see the result of our hope being fulfilled.

May the God who gives hope fill you with great joy. May you have perfect peace as you trust in him. May the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.

Romans 15:13

Thank You for the confidence You give us that, together with You, we can live successfully, even through difficult challenges and can be empowered by hope as we journey.  Amen