God of Hope

“May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)

As I pen these words, I praise God for His goodness. God in His infinite mercy and kindness delivered me from a battle. He ministered peace over me. He sustained me when I did not think I would survive. He held me together in my fear and weakness. He gave me Hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. And instead of destruction and ruin, my vestiges of war were joy, laughter, praise, and thanksgiving.

I write these words to honor God and give Him all praise, honor, and glory. Yet I also pen these words to encourage others who are also suffering. Last week, it seemed like a spiritual storm surged over many believers, leaving sadness, depression, anxiety, and discouragement in its wake. Yet I am here to testify God is in control. I am here to testify God is good, even amidst heartache and pain. I am here to proclaim God will prevail and has already won the victory.

I do not write these words lightly. For I, too, have suffered. I believed I would break. But God held me together. God ministered through so many. He surrounded me with the body of Christ. His Spirit brought hope and healing. And through Him, I am made new.

This weekend, I emerged from the wreckage of my own personal war, uncertain of my path and riddled with anxiety. As I sat holding my husband who just received devastating news, gratitude filled my heart. For God orchestrated every detail of my trial. Even to the timing of when I would begin emerging out of my suffering to allow me to be fully present for my husband. Only God. Only God.

But as tears coursed his cheeks and sobs wracked his body, God spoke into the darkness. Running to grab her new Jesus Calling for girls, my little one read words which ministered to our souls. Then came the moment where truth meets light infused with the power of God’s Word and the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

“What are the Scripture references,” I asked Sweet Pea, “Let’s read them tonight for our Bible study.” Happy to oblige, Sweet Pea flipped back to the entry and read the verses listed.

“Romans 12:12,” she read, “and Romans 15:13.” My heart stood still. I could not believe my ears. And then, the Holy Spirit washed over me.

Even as I write these words, tears of thanksgiving fill my eyes. For when a similar battle had threatened to overtake me eight years ago, God healed me. And He used this exact verse to do so through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Now eight years later, I am completely filled with awe and wonder at the mystery and mercy of God. Once more, He used this verse to bring healing and hope to my soul. But God was not finished yet.

Yesterday, as I awoke in peace, God spoke again. As if the timely reminder of this verse was not enough, God reaffirmed it yet again. A dear friend and prayer warrior texted me after church. And what verse would she happen to text me? You guessed it. Romans 15:13. Only God. Only God.

Friends, may these words encourage your heart and bring Hope. God loves us. He knows the hairs on your head. He sees you and knows your suffering. He is the God of compassion and Hope for all. And He will never let you go.

Allow your heart to be filled with joy and peace for the joy of the Lord will be your strength. Use worship as your weapon and the Word of God as your Shield. And allow Christ to be your Cornerstone so when fires and winds assail, you will be left standing with the Rock of Jesus beneath your feet.

Be encouraged friends for our God is with us. May the God of Hope fill each one of you with joy and peace as you trust Him so you may overflow with Hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen and amen.

God Really Loves Us By David Crowder
​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3y8Zz3F4cI