10 February 2025: Hope

Romans 15:13
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Hope is powerful. It is the quiet whisper that says, "Keep going." It is the light that breaks through the darkest moments of our lives. Without hope, we feel lost, discouraged, and defeated. But with hope, we find the strength to believe, to endure, and to trust that God is still working—even when we cannot see it.

I remember a particular January when I felt completely hopeless. A dream I had prayed for, longed for, and worked toward seemed impossible. Every effort I made felt like it ended in disappointment. I wondered if I had misheard God. I questioned whether my prayers even mattered. The weight of discouragement settled heavily on my heart, and I began to feel like giving up.

Then, one morning, I opened my Bible and read Romans 15:13. The words “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him” leapt off the page. It was as if God was speaking directly to me, reminding me that He is not just a giver of hope—He is hope itself. My hope wasn’t supposed to be in my circumstances, my efforts, or my timeline. My hope was supposed to be in Him.

I didn’t receive an immediate breakthrough, but something inside me shifted. I started praying with expectation again. I stopped focusing on the impossibility of my situation and started focusing on the faithfulness of God. And months later, He answered my prayers in a way I never expected. His answer wasn’t what I had imagined, but it was better. It reminded me that God’s plans are always greater than our own.

If you’re feeling discouraged today, don’t lose hope. God is not finished with your story. You may not see it now, but He is working behind the scenes, arranging things for your good. Hold on to His promises. Even in the waiting, even in the unknown, He is faithful.

This January, choose to trust in the God of hope. Let Him fill you with joy and peace as you surrender your worries to Him. Because when your hope is in God, you will never be disappointed.

Lord, fill my heart with Your hope. When I feel weary and discouraged, remind me that You are still at work. Help me trust in Your perfect plan, knowing that You are faithful. Amen.