I trace a finger across the petal-soft skin of a dimpled hand and gaze into my child’s eyes. Tucked against my body, he nuzzles for nourishment. Marveling at the mother and infant bond, I thank God for gifting me this treasure. As my son gathers life from my body I pray over him—convinced my unseen hope will not disappoint.

 

When I Doubted My Unseen Hope

Battered and embattled, my bruised heart longed for relief. I waged a war from the same worn chair in which I once sang lullabies. But the victories were few and my precious ones–the targets.

Anxiety and worry replaced joy as I cried out to God. Though my emotions wavered, and hope seemed lost, I pressed deeper into prayer. How could I give up? Did the world offer a better alternative than the unchanging, eternal Hope who “does not disappoint”? (Romans 5:5)

Then, God began answering several of my desperate supplications. And through the hard places of wilderness walking, He showed me the beauty of surrender. Of laying down my burdens. Of releasing those I love into His caring and capable hands.

Some of my petitions remain unanswered. Perhaps He will answer them this side of eternity. If not, “my flesh also will rest in hope” (Acts 2:26) because authentic hope resides in the person of Christ the Savior. He is the unseen Hope upon which my faith rests secure.

The unstable, unsteady concept or feeling of hope will change with circumstances. But the God of hope? His arms overflow with “joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13)

The unstable, unsteady concept or feeling of hope will change with circumstances. But the God of hope? His arms overflow with “joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans… Click To Tweet

If You Are Doubting Your Unseen Hope

We feel ashamed to admit doubt. Others in Christian circles may think less of us, or worse, claim our faith less than. Manufactured positivity might fool others, but the Lord intimately knows the thoughts of our hearts. He prefers honesty to falsehood and has grace for us in the struggle.

Manufactured positivity might fool others, but the Lord intimately knows the thoughts of our hearts. He prefers honesty to falsehood and has grace for us in the struggle. #unseenhope Click To Tweet

Many doubters listed in scripture were people loved by the Lord.

Thomas and Hope

Possibly the most famous of doubters, Thomas returns to the place in which the disciples hid after Christ’s crucifixion. There, the Eleven told him that Jesus lived. Thomas replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (John 20:25)

Imagine His surprise when Jesus miraculously appeared, encased in flesh, seven days later. But His first words, “Peace be with you,” lavished favor, not condemnation. Then, tender understanding. “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” (John 20:27)

The all-knowing Christ offered all-encompassing love.

 

Other unnamed disciples who doubted Hope

While Thomas receives the bulk of the attention, other disciples doubted Christ following His resurrection. Matthew 28:16-17 reveals the conflict between logic and faith, “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.”

Dear one, you believe in the One who is our unseen Hope and He proclaimed that we will be blessed.

 

Elijah and Hope Though God responded to the prophet’s prayer with a powerful demonstration of might on Mt. Carmel, faithful Elijah fled the queen’s wrath. God sent fire to consume a water-doused sacrifice, but ungodly Jezebel declared a hit on his head. He was wracked by fear. Overcome by foreboding.

Elijah doubted God’s ability to deliver him. Yet God fortified the depressed man of God—sending provision from an angel that the prophet might be prepared for a holy encounter.

Forty days later, the man lodged his complaint on Mount Horeb. I’m alone.

In God’s whisper, Elijah heard Hope. (1 Kings 19:10-18)

Do you, too, need His comfort? It is woven throughout scripture. Psalms 91, 121, and 23 are a few of my favorites. Read a verse and pause. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal Himself to you. What does the Lord whisper to your heart and mind?

 

A Prayer if You Need Hope Today

Lord,

You know my struggles and hurts. You know how I long to trust and believe, but doubt chips away at my faith. Forgive me, Lord. I proclaim that you are my Lord and my God. Enlarge my faith and empower me by the Holy Spirit to trust in the eternal and unseen hope who is Jesus—the anchor of my soul (Hebrews 6:19). In this world I will have trouble but Christ has overcome them. (John 16:33) Emotional hope is transitory but You, Father, are from everlasting to everlasting—a Hope that will not disappoint. Thank you, Father, for a love so abundant.

In the powerful name of Jesus,

Amen

Other posts you may find helpful:

• Three Reasons People Lose Hope and What to Do About It
• When Hope Needs to Be Revived
• Hope in the Valley

Peace and grace,

Tammy

 

I sometimes link up with the following wonderful bloggers:

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Tammy Kennington

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