As I read my loved one’s email, my eyes filled with tears. His words were the culmination of years of prayer and intercession, and my heart was hopeful about his future for the first time in years. Things were going to change. I could see it.
A few weeks later, a text message showed up on my phone while I was at church. Although there wasn’t much information in the short sentences, I immediately knew something was wrong. Later, a FaceTime call came. When I hung up, I tried not to cry. My husband sat next to me, driving, but I didn’t have to rehash the conversation. He’d heard it.
Where were these tears coming from? Why did I think the outcome was going to be different this time? The same cycle was repeating itself for the hundredth time, and I wondered why I allowed myself to expect something new.
When we hope for an outcome we can’t control, there is always risk.
Because Lord knows, many times we don’t get what we want. We pray for healing, but it doesn’t come. We ask the Lord to give our loved one strength to overcome the demons that keep him enslaved, but he remains in shackles.
After years without seeing change, it’s tempting to protect our hearts. Don’t hope for change, because it’s easier than setting ourselves up for disappointment. Become afraid to hope or stay callous, because hope only produces more pain.
Ever been there? Perhaps you’re there now, and wondering how much more you can take. Believe me, I know. I walk this road with you, and ask the Lord the same questions.
Yesterday, I read Psalm 42, and I was stuck by how when David is overcome with emotion and distress, he takes action. He commands his soul. Instead of letting his feelings have the final say, he tells his soul where to turn. Where to hope. And his hope isn’t in the situation changing or in the miracle itself, although in many Psalms he prays for deliverance.
His hope is in God. The unchanging, steadfast love of God, and nothing else.
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” Psalm 42:11 ESV
When we turn our attention from our circumstances to a God whose love is perfect, we can know this:
1. God will never stop pursuing us or those he loves.
It’s what he does. It defines the essence of who he is. Even when people reject him and go their own way, he will keep chasing them. So keep lifting those prayers to the One who hears them, because as long as you or your loved one is breathing, God will continue to intervene.
2. God can redeem lost time, broken hearts, and relationships.
As human beings who live within the confines of time, it’s easy to look at a life that’s consumed by addiction, deception, and lies and think, “It’s too late. They’ve made their decision. They will never change.” But to God, time is irrelevant. If someone makes the choice to turn to him, he can redeem years of running. But first, they have to make that decision.
As I remember these attributes of God, my mourning turns to hope. I hope not because I’ve seen the miracle, but because I know the One who sends his Spirit to change lives. I know his pursuit doesn’t stop because of poor choices or stubborn hearts.
And because I know each of these things, I continue to praise. I can have faith in the unseen, and trust the One who hears every prayer.
Abby,
Your post hits really close to home. I have an ongoing situation with a close loved one. I pray, I hope, I reach out. I see a little glimmer of hope and then as quickly as it came, the situation reverts back to the dysfunctional and my hopes are dashed against the rocks once again. Do we give up hope that things will change? No. But, like you, I realize that my hope needs to be in God and in Him alone. He is over all. He is in control. Even if my situation with a loved one never changes, I can still have hope in God and in eternity through His Son. Joining with you in putting our hope in the One who never disappoints. Lifting you in prayer.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Bev, thank you for sharing some of what you’re going through here. I am joining you in prayer for our loved ones and believing God will never stop pursuing them. I’ve seen miracles happen, but I know it also takes a willing, surrendered heart. Much love to you, friend.
Great reminder and encouragement that God is the author of Hope.
Thank you, Susan. God bless.
Hi Abby, Love your post above, it reminds me what Myself and my daughter who is 24 go thru everyday and I’m not ashamed to talk about it, why because everybody has gone thru something, My daughter Noel who has two beautiful daughters 5, 8 yrs old are now with their Aunt my other daughter Holly. My daughter Noel lost guardian ship over them 3 yrs ago, My Daughter Noel 24, has feel into this dark hole of very bad drugs, and very wicked people that she hangs with. we talk quite often and I let her know that I pray for her many times a day and night to just look up and reach for Gods hand and for God to lead you down the righteous path to sobriety, she totally believes in God and the same as me, but it’s like these demons have a hold of her and she can’t get out, Even though I give it all to God and I do, I still think about it everyday, just praying and praying waiting for her to open her eyes and reach for God, I also pray for the wicked who she is surrounded by also, because that’s what God wants us to do. My daughter Holly who has custody is in her second year almost third of becoming a doctor in Med school, she takes very good care of my granddaughters so besides her school, and also putting the children thru school, it’s very hard on her but she doesn’t give up and I know God gives her the strength to keep going, Med school is very hard and plus raising her nieces, she is a very strong lady she is 25. My heart goes out to both of them I ask God to give them both strength to carry on and for Noel just to get her life straight and be sober so one day maybe she can get her children back, But if she does she has a long path in front of her before ever receiving her children back and Noel understands this we talked about it many times, but it just seems like she listens and then okay Mom I have to go. So I just keep my prayers going and give it to God to handle, why because I know God is the only one who can help, Thank you Abby for letting me get this off my chest and My prayers go out to you and all your readers, and comments above, You are all in my prayers, Thank you and have a wonderful day, XO, Carolyn Garcia, didn’t mean for my email to be so long sorry!
Carolyn, thank you for sharing some of your story here. I am praying for both of your daughters, and know the Spirit will never stop trying to reach those who are lost. Sending you love during this coming holiday season. May you feel the peace of his presence. God bless.