HOPE THROUGH HARD TIMES

“But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses” – 2 Corinthians 6:4

In Christ we have HOPE to get THROUGH HARD TIMES: “But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings” (2Cor.6: 4-5). Here, Paul commended himself and his co-workers to the Corinthians. He offered evidence that they had not been false apostles, but had faithfully represented Christ through every kind of suffering and God's power had been obvious in and through them. His testimony is a model for every believer.

For many people in the world today, life is filled with fear, insecurity, loneliness and depression. Disappointments at all levels – global, national, communal, family and personal – make many people to wonder if there can be any hope: What with job losses, deep parenting issues, difficult marriage trials, and grim financial troubles! People are passing through excruciatingly lonely and difficult life seasons. It’s hard not to read the newspapers, watch the news on television, or browse social media on the internet, and come away with a strong sense that this world is in dire times.  Even Believers feel the weight of the world’s woes! In such times, where does hope come from?

The great news is that: We can still have Hope and Joy in life’s trials. It is not easy, but, notwithstanding the troubles we face, we must fight to keep not just a positive attitude but a Christ-centred one as we step out in faith and cling tightly to Hope in God! The powerful promises from God’s Word consistently assure us of Comfort, Hope, and Help!

Let’s meditate on the Testimonies of God’s Word:

“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, HOPE” (Rom.5: 3-4). The New Living Translation says: “WE CAN REJOICE, too, WHEN WE RUN into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” Running is sweaty and tasking; but it produces endurance – and Joy! After the sweaty part of pushing through a final lap comes the exhilaration of finishing the race! Pushing through life’s challenges with God’s help gives us incredible spiritual stamina, which equips us for the next life challenge to deal with.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in ALL OUR TRIBULATION that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ” (2Cor.1: 3-5). God actively comforts us in ALL tribulations to train and equip us to minister comfort to others! Knowing that what we’re going through won’t be wasted is enough reason to have hope during hard times.

“For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life”” (2Cor.1: 8). In the midst of life’s deepest trials, there are points where the situation is too desperate, painful or bleak to handle on our own. And thankfully, God doesn’t intend us to. We must rely and rest completely in Him for answers and help. Although, no one wants to deal with the kinds of troubles that befell Paul, if need be, we must face such situations with the same unwavering faith and vibrant hope. 

Trials are never easy, but they are our opportunity: to trust in the matchless name of Christ and create a rich testimony to His Power and Might. Trials should fire us up to fight harder and dig in deeper. No matter what trials may come – and they will come – may we remain joyfully victorious through hope, patience, and faith.