Hold Fast in Hard Times — Hang on to Hope (Day 8)
Daily, I pray for the courage to overcome obstacles. I know that God uses pressure to create pearls, so I want to hold fast and look forward expectantly knowing that God is using my tribulation to transform my life. My pain is not without purpose. I choose to believe that my Heavenly Father will make my mess into a miracle. He’s done it before, and He will do it again.
He did it for Joseph. I’ve been reading Max Lucado’s You’ll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Your Turbulent Times, and I’ve realized how confidently composed Joseph stayed during his extended period in captivity. He never questioned why. He just chose to excel at whatever task God placed in front of him. He made his prison cell a place of preparation and purpose.
Turbulent times will tempt you to forget God. Shortcuts will lure you. Sirens will call you. But don’t be foolish or naive. Do what pleases God. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Max Lucado, p. 41
Reading Joseph’s story today showed me how my response to pain can transform a setback into a step forward.
Today, I choose to hope.
“Because he holds fast to Me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows My name.”Psalms 91:14, ESV
I’m joining The Nester and friends for #write31days and sharing “Hang on to Hope” with like-minded sisters at Coffee for Your Heart, Tell His Story, Spiritual Sundays, Recommendation Saturday, Faith-Filled Friday, Essential Fridays, and Thriving Thursday.
To see all of the posts in this series, head on over here.
Lyli, I love this… and I love Max Lucado too! I haven’t read this one. The story of Joseph is so full of truth and trust and honor and blessing! I am with you… I choose hope! xoxo
“I choose to believe that my Heavenly Father will make my mess into a miracle. He’s done it before, and He will do it again.” Amen! Yes, He will! Loving your series, Lyli. xoxo
Thank you for this beautiful encouragement, Lyli. Love the analogy how God uses pressure to make pearls. We will together keep hanging onto hope. Visiting from Holley’s – the title drew me in, and I’m so glad it did.
Lyli thank you for this reminder. Feeling so blessed He is our hope and help no matter what happens in our life! Stopping by from Recommendation Saturday. cathyzpeek.com