I am writing this evening to share with you…all of my friends and family, aka blog followers…something that I would like for you to pray with me (and for me) about.
I have been especially anxious for the past couple of days. With the Coronavirus numbers higher than ever and Pearl River County being a “hot spot” at this time, I am literally terrified for my husband, children, grandchildren, parents (and myself).
I am feeling physically, mentally and emotionally vulnerable right now. I’ve been praying on and off all day…mostly for the ones that have been stricken with this deadly virus…and also for those that have, tragically, lost loved ones to it. Every time I would stop and pray for someone, I would, earnestly, ask God to please protect my family from this dreadful pandemic that is still running rampant.
On top of all the anxiety, I am extremely frustrated with myself for allowing this fear to take control of me! My heart is telling me, “you are a Christian and you know that fear is not of God!”…but at the same time, my mind is telling me, “it’s everywhere…it’s only a matter of time before you or your family gets it…you can die from it!”
Seriously?! The name of my blog is literally “Hope Full Hearts”. Yet, here I am acting like I have no hope whatsoever. So, all of that being said, I truly covet each of your prayers.
I gave you the definition, the true meaning, of hope in a recent blog (per Webster’s and per The Bible). So now lets talk about what the opposite of hope is. Hopelessness, discouragement, despair, and fear! This pretty much describes me right now. I’m telling you, I was on the verge of having a full blown panic attack earlier today. I was literally shaking and short of breath!
I know that it is the devil causing all of my fear and negative feelings. He preys on people at their most vulnerable moments…especially God’s people! It’s difficult to stay strong sometimes, especially when your faith is being tested…the flesh is so weak.
Therefore, the best alternative to fear is to put our hope in something…I choose to place my hope in Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior!
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
Hope is amazing. It can grow and thrive even in the bleakest of circumstances. One of the most fearful times of my life was when I lost my little girl to a tragic golf cart accident. I was distressed and dysfunctional for many years, but, far in the back of my mind I still had a glimmer of hope. I had, and still have, hope that I’m gonna see her again one day and spend eternity with her in the presence of Jesus. Hope can keep us moving forward…always looking for a better day.
Hope is one of God’s gifts to us. He is overwhelmingly faithful. Thank you, Lord, for giving me hope!
Lamentations 3:25 says, The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to those who seek Him. (NIV)
Those that hope in the Lord and wait on Him patiently, He will be good to us and deliver us out of our trouble. However, we do not need to be in a rush and expect Him to deliver us at the first cry of help to Him. God’s time is always the best time!
Psalm 130:5 says, I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.
When our faith is being tested, it can be challenging to find hope, even in the strongest Christians.
Isaiah 40:31 says, 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.
Please pray that I will be able to put all my hope in the Lord and that He will renew my strength!
#hopefullhearts #godisgreater #faithoverfear