Finding Unshakeable Hope in Intimidating Times

A few years back, I was heading home after a worship practice. After parking my car, I began walking towards my apartment building while texting. Two young men, evidently under the influence of drugs, approached me and started asking questions about my phone in broken English. I realized they were looking for trouble. I glanced around and saw no one who could assist, so I began trying to maneuver my way out of the imminent danger.

I knew drugs impaired their ability to think clearly, so I began using words like “the police” while trying to talk to them in a calm manner as we walked home. They saw through my tactic and mentioned that there were no police around as they approached me. Somehow, I managed to make my way to the entrance of my apartment building, and as the young man realized it was his last chance to act, he reached into his pocket for a knife. This prompted my final move before a physical confrontation could occur—I started yelling. This caught the attention of some people in the park playing chess, who joined in my shouting at the troubled young men. Startled, they decided to flee. 

I realized they wouldn't cease their efforts to rob others, so I contacted the police. An hour later, the police called back, requesting my assistance in identifying the robbers, as the next victim was in shock and unable to help with identifying the apprehended boys.

When I recognized the danger, I searched for hope to hold onto until it passed. I could find it only in my acquired knowledge and experience in serving marginalized people to navigate out of the situation. This strategy worked for a while, until someone noticed I was in trouble and began shouting at the young men at just the right moment. I was blessed to be spared from being robbed. 

If you're experiencing challenging times right now, today's blog post is for you. Join me on a journey to discover hope amidst the difficulties you're facing. From the Bible we learn that hope is a gift from God, and His hope does not disappoint. Today, I invite you to explore and find hope that does not disappoint (Romans 5:5).

Join me at the start of a new week as we read the book of Nehemiah. This book details the restoration of a ruined city and, along the way, the renewal of people's lives and destinies. Throughout the rebuilding journey, the community encounters numerous ups and downs, challenges, and intimidations. Amidst their struggles, God continually meets their needs in various ways until the restoration process is complete. 

Since many lacked hope from God, when the restoration process was completed, they looked at the rebuilt outcome and began to cry. Their tears were not of joy. They recalled how things used to be, and in their minds, the new restored glory did not compare to the old one. 

Today, I invite you to embark on a journey to receive a gift of hope in your restoration process—whether it pertains to your marriage, family, other relationships, ministry, or anything else the enemy has managed to kill, steal, or destroy in your life. Regardless of what has occurred, by prayerfully partnering with God, it can be rebuilt. However, you must receive a blueprint of what God is currently building, a tangible hope you can anticipate. 

Therefore, you might want to try something new, entrusting your expectations and desires to God and have faith in His plan rather than clinging to your personal desires. If you choose to collaborate with Him, He can reveal what He is creating. Continue to ask Him to show it to you, and He will. 

Recently I found hope in a picture frame I saw while praying and seeking hope from God. I envisioned His plans for my life as a picture within a frame. However, this isn't a snapshot from the past, but rather a future moment I eagerly anticipate, free from my own expectations, trusting that He oversees every situation and always appears at the right time to guide me in making the right choices. 

For someone else, it might resemble gathering fragments of past ceramics or pebbles to create a new mosaic. Whatever you receive in response to your seeking hope from God, partner with God in making it a tangible reality you can cling onto in challenging moments. Hold onto that physical gift, just as Rahab mentally held tight to the red rope in her window on the walls of Jericho, as she awaited the return of the spies with an army to conquer the oppressive conditions she endured.

You can display your tangible gift of hope prominently for everyone to see. Those who need to see this visible symbol will also perceive its spiritual meaning: a representation of God’s protection over you and your home, while guiding you into a new season of your life. 

May you be blessed as you begin a new journey of discovery and embrace the gift of hope! 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11