Having Hope When All Seems Hopeless / Mrs Terri Cannon

Terri Cannon

Pastor's Wife

Hope Baptist Church

Bettendorf, IA

 

 

 

Having Hope When All Seems Hopeless

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”
Romans 15:4

I wasn’t always a middle-aged grandmother. Long ago, when dinosaurs walked the earth, I was a 13-year-old girl who thought all was lost. My mother suffered from serious mental illness. From the time I was eight until I was nineteen, she spent more time in mental hospitals than she did at home with us. I was the oldest of five children and it fell to me to care for them. Don't get me wrong, I love them all dearly, but children aren't the best choice for raising other children. As I entered puberty, I faced not only the usual fears and struggles of a 13-year-old girl, but I faced those things alone with more responsibilities than many grown women shoulder. I thought all hope was lost. I'd been in church since I was two. I had been saved when I was only five. I had surrendered my life to the will of God shortly after I turned eight. It was only my relationship with the Lord that carried me through. Since that time, I have experienced many trials during which I found myself clinging to the Lord.
I want to give you 6 things that will help you have hope, when all seems hopeless.
* It’s okay, and even a good thing to cry.
* Keep God real.
* Remember all the good things God has done.
* Be mindful of the good things in your life and don’t focus on the bad.
* Look for something everyday to remind you that God loves you.
* Look to the future.

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."
Psalm 42:11

First I want to tell you. It's okay to cry!

"Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book? When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me. In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word. In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?"
Psalm 56:8-11
It's even a good thing to cry unto the Lord. He wants to comfort you. It's a good thing physically because a good cry washes stress out of your body.

"My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God."
Psalm 56:8-11

The Lord is with you even when everyone else has left. He wants us to throw ourselves into His loving care and pour out our grief. Because He cares for you so much that he knows how many hairs are on your head. 

"But the very hairs of your head are all numbered."
Matthew 10:30

Sometimes we get to thinking that tears are a sign of weakness. They are not. They are a sign of grief and the strongest among us suffer grief. Sometimes we just need someone to tell us we can break down and cry. I'm telling you it's okay. As a 13-year-old girl, I had a place in the back of my closet where I would curl up and imagine that God was holding me in His lap and I would cry while He held my heart.

So first, when all seems hopeless, go ahead and cry. You'll feel better. The Lord is waiting to hear from you.

The next and one of the most important things to maintain hope is to remember to Keep God Real!
This is one of the hardest ones, because when all seems hopeless, the devil wants us to think that God is a fairytale—He’s not really there. If you begin to doubt God, you will lose hope. "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
Hebrews 11:6

"But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works."
Psalm 73:28

Some ways to keep God real are:
* Walk with God, page after page, verse after verse, day after day.
* Read your Bible according to a plan. Read a Proverbs every day and complete the thought: “A wise woman will . . ."
* Keep a prayer list and check off answered prayer

A close, real relationship with a real God will give you hope regardless of the circumstances. Keep Him real!
When all seems hopeless, Remind yourself of all the good things God has done!
"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s."
Psalm 103:2-6

His benefits are numberless! Every last one of us has so much to thank the Lord for. Even in the depths of trials, God has given us breath. That is a blessing! Do you have someone who loves you? A friend? A sister? A parent?

Did you eat today? Are you clothed? We have so much that we take for granted. God had done GREAT things for you! When all seems hopeless, take your mind off of the bad and think on Him.

"For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness."
Psalm 107:9
Along with reminding yourself all the good things God has done you must Be mindful of the good and don't focus on the bad!

It is in our nature to see the bad. When all seems hopeless, you have to force yourself to look away, especially if the bad is something that you cannot control. Illness can't be controlled. The actions of others can't be controlled. Natural disasters can't be controlled. When those things are overwhelming you, you must find the good and quit dwelling on the bad.
A wise woman taught me to imagine a hedge around myself, don’t look at the gap—look at the protection!
Between December of 2006 and September of 2007, I spent 39 days in the hospital. I was very ill and experienced multiple complications from my surgeries and my treatments. I couldn't control that. Instead of despairing, I learned to be thankful for the marvelous medical treatment that I had access to. If I had not had that care, I certainly would have died. Because I did not dwell on the illness, I laughed my way through the trial.

Two weeks ago, I again found myself hearing the doctors tell me that I could die. But again, I was in a fantastic hospital and as the mother of three young boys— I could sleep whenever I wanted! 
And today, I’m almost fully recovered. If the bad is in the past, keep it there!
I know so many people who suffer because they can't get over the past. You cannot do anything to change what has already happened. If you continually "play the video" in your mind, you will never undo the past, you will only re-live the pain. Put the past where it belongs. Look to the Lord and the future. If you are running a race and looking backwards, you are sure to fall. "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:1-2

Another key to keeping hope when all seems hopeless is to remind yourself constantly that God loves you. Look for things to remind you. I love ladybugs. I decided a long time ago that every time I see a ladybug, I would remind myself that God loves me. Then, I surrounded myself with ladybugs. There is not a room in my house that does not have at least one ladybug in it. My little grandson knows about my ladybugs and every time he finds one, he runs to me to tell me about it. And all those ladybugs around me make it impossible for me to forget that God loves me. There is so much hope in that one thought. I have friends who have chosen redbirds, or hummingbirds, or even sand to remind themselves that God loves them. Try it! But above all, remember that God loves you! "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3:16

"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
I John 4:10

"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,"
Ephesians 2:4

Okay, quick review, what are the first 5 things to remember when all seems hopeless?
* It’s okay to cry.
* Keep God real.
* Remind yourself of the good.
* Focus on the good—not the bad.
* Look for something everyday to remind you God loves you.
And finally Look to the Future!
Remember, this too shall come to pass. Believe me, I know how hard it is to look ahead when the present is so overwhelming. I have been through trials that I was sure would never end, and yet, the sun came up the next morning and I moved on. Know that God is doing a work in you for a purpose. “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”
Philippians 1:6 
“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
Philippians 2:13

You may not know this side of heaven what that purpose is, but He is working. Pillow your head tonight with the assurance that the sun will rise in the morning and you will move forward.

So, can you name the six things? Drill them into your head. Trials will come. At some point, all will seem hopeless. 

* It’s okay to cry.
* Keep God real.
* Remind yourself of the good.
* Focus on the good—not the bad.
* Look for something every day to remind you God loves you.
* Look to the future.
I had no idea why God has let me suffer the things I have suffered. There are some things we will never know. But I do know that I have been able to comfort others. And I can tell you there IS hope when everything seems hopeless. "I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."
Psalm 27:13-14

Without the Process there is No Glory / Mrs Misty Beutow

Mrs Misty Beutow

Pastor's Wife

Grace Baptist Church

Tremont, IL

 

 

Without the Process there is No Glory

 

Have you ever struggled? I mean really struggled? With your faith? With anxiety? With fear? I have recently been there. It sounds terrible, I know. How could I doubt God? How could I live with anxiety and fear? God has been so good to my family. I am blessed with a wonderful husband. We have three beautiful children. We are part of a thriving ministry. I have been blessed  to stay home with my children and homeschool them. So how could I, pastors wife and home school mom, struggle with fear and doubt? 

 

10 years ago I noticed that my daughter was acting odd. She would grab her stomach and then suddenly become unresponsive. It was so strange. My sister was with us during one of these episodes.  She told me she was having a seizure. That didn't make sense. Don't people shake uncontrollably when that happens? Not all do. There are many types of seizures. She would have nearly 30 of these seizures a week and when she was 3 years old she was diagnosed with epilepsy. Fast forward 9 years. She is 12. She is beautiful. She is talented. She loves the Lord. She is caring. She is absolutely amazing. We had just come from another neurology appointment where the neurologist told her she had refractory epilepsy. Which means no matter what medication, diet or treatment we try she will not get better. She will most likely have it the rest of her life. That was hard for her to take in. Almost a teenager. Thinking of driving, babysitting, and other exciting things teen girls look forward to. But she knows she may never have those opportunities. As we were driving home I asked how she felt about it. She said, "Mom, why hasn't God healed me? I pray everyday that He will. I don't understand why He won't." My heart sunk.  I didn't know what to say. How do you respond when you yourself do not know the answer? I looked at her and told her that I honestly do not know. That God has a plan for her and that even though we can't see what it is now, we must trust Him. But honestly, in my own heart I struggled. I doubted. I had fear. I was angry. I was hurting for her. 

 

The following Sunday my husband preached a tremendous message on Elijah and the power of prayer. I knew it was just for me! I know I needed to hear it. But you know what? Even though I agreed with everything he preached, I was still struggling. I pray. I pray the way that God would have me to pray. I follow Gods plan for prayer. I am doing what God wants me to do.  So, why? Why will He not answer our prayers? Why will He not heal my daughter? 

 

After the service I was confiding in a dear friend about my feelings and her words have stuck with me. Without the process there is  no glory. What a powerful thought! Everything that we go through, we go through for God to be glorified. Even the hurts, the struggles, the fears. Each process that we are facing, can be used to bring honor and glory to our Heavenly Father. She reminded me of the people that we have been able to help and encourage. The souls that have come to Christ. Those that were away from the Lord that have returned. Not because of who we are,  but because of what He has done. The goodness of God brings man to repentance. And through this process they have seen the goodness and kindness of our Lord. 

 

I don't know what you are facing. I don't know what process God has allowed in your life. But can I encourage you to not give up? To keep trusting? To keep going through the process, even when it hurts, so that God may be glorified.  A few last thoughts to encourage you on your journey;

 

1. Rest in Him 

Matthew 11:28  “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” 

Are you weary? Are you carrying your process alone? Make sure to give it to God and allow Him to bring you rest. All too often we try to figure things out in our own strength. Stop trying to figure it out and just find rest in Christ.

 

2. Have faith when you don't understand 

Luke 5:4-6 "Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their nets brake."

God wants us to put our faith into action. When it's hard. When it doesn't make sense. When it doesn't add up. Faith puts out the fiery darts of fear. Once you start trusting and placing your faith in Gods plan, the fears and doubts begin to disappear. And He will do exceeding abundantly above all you can ask or think.  

 

3. Without the process there is no glory. 

2 Peter 2:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” 

 We need to go through the trials with an active faith. Knowing and trusting that God will be honored and glorified through it. Allow Gods glory to be revealed through your trial. He will bring joy and peace through it. God has a specific plan and purpose for each of us. And He takes us through a process that He has allowed so that His plan and His purpose may be fulfilled.

Busy? Be Still and Know That I Am God... / Mrs Krysten Vestal

 

Mrs Krysten Vestal

Asst Pastor's Wife

Grandview Baptist Church

Beavercreek, OR

 

 

Busy? Be still and know that I am God.

Psalm 46:10

“Be still, and know that I am God…”

     Two of the most difficult words to hear as a child are “Be still.”  I’m sure we can all remember numerous times throughout our childhood when we received this admonition.  Even as adults, our nature is to be active physically, emotionally, and mentally as we face the day to day challenges of everyday life.  Most of the time, we are bombarded with the “busy-ness” of life and things that scream urgency but are in reality, not that important.      My dad always encouraged us to see and recognize the difference between those things that are “urgent” and those things that are “important.”  Important things like our daily walk with God, prayer, focusing on Him, caring for our homes and families are most important, but often neglected.  Why does this happen?  I believe we are constantly bombarded with things that seem “urgent” like emails, social media, television, pinterest, etc.  Those things are not wrong unless we get our priori-ties out of order. 

    The Bible admonishes us to “be still.”  When was the last time we have stopped everything to focus on our Heavenly Father who truly makes everything possible?  I admit in my own life it is a daily challenge to choose to “be still.”  However, I have found that if we choose daily to start the day with God “being still” in prayer, Bible reading, and focusing on Him, the rest of the day goes a whole lot better no matter how “busy” we are!

 *When was the last time we released the pressing issues of life to God?

 *When was the last time we just enjoyed being in God’s presence? 

 *When was the last time we have been quiet enough to hear the whisper of God?

 *What would happen if we would truly “be still.”

Try it!  Take the challenge for the next 5 minutes.

 *Let the immediate and the urgent things drop.

 *Release and relax in God’s presence.

 *Be still & be quiet.

 *Focus on the greatness of our God.

 

MY FEAR GREW BIGGER THAN MY FAITH / Mrs Susan Ballad

 

Mrs Susan Ballard

Pastor's Wife

Grace Baptist Church
Marion, IA

3 - children

5 - grandchildren (they call me Grammy)

 

 

MY FEAR GREW BIGGER THAN MY FAITH 

 

I recently had the privilege of traveling to Israel with my husband and the tour he has taken for the past fourteen years. I had gone in 2007, and I must confess, I really wasn’t looking forward to the trip this year. WHAT? Yes, you read that correctly Hon! I know that sounds ungrateful, as I know many of you would LOVE to have the opportunity to visit the Holy Land, the trip of a lifetime. That just wasn’t what was in my heart this time.  I was fearful of this trip, but not for the reason you might expect, such as the ongoing battle with all those who would erase God’s chosen people or the daily terrorism that these dear Jewish people endure. No, it was neither.  

I had been to Israel in 2007 and enjoyed it immensely, though it was a bit long (two weeks away from home) and weary with a demanding daily schedule that year. I was nine years younger then, at 46, and in better health! Now, I’m a 55 year old “couch potato” called “Grammy” by 5 of the most precious grandchildren EVER! I had been sick quite often in the past year as my Hashimotos - an auto immune disease, had flared again, causing my body to attack itself.  This in turn had my diabetes out of control, and inflammation triggered more arthritis pain. I felt I was falling apart and had been fighting sinus and ear infections for 3 months. How could I go to Israel and enjoy it without being sick and miserable, and maybe making others around me miserable as well? No, it didn’t sound like the right plan for me, according to the SLB-the Susan Lynn Ballard version of God’s will for me!  

We began praying for good health and for the Hashimotos to go dormant again. My prayer partners encouraged me as they were also praying for me and concerned for this trip and how it might affect me. As I finished my 4th round of antibiotics just a week before we were to leave, I still hadn’t felt peace about this trip. So, I prayed, planned, prepared, and prayed some more.  This apprehension I was feeling just wouldn’t let go of me.  

The day came when we left and drove to St. Louis, Missouri to stay overnight with friends and then leave for the airport early the next morning. Six of us were flying from St. Louis to meet the rest of our tour group in Newark, New Jersey. From there we would all fly to Tel Aviv, Israel.  We awoke the next morning to learn that our flight would be delayed due to bad weather overnight in Newark. So, we arrived at the airport in plenty of time for the hurry up and wait treatment! Later, we arrived in Newark too late to board the plane with everyone else, and our plane departed without us! My little faith began to waiver and wilt. I thought perhaps I should have stayed at home after all.  Doubt set in, fear took hold, and my faith seemed even smaller than a tiny mustard seed! 

We finally boarded our plane 5 hours later for the 10 to 12 hour flight to Israel. Oh boy! It was real now and there was no turning back, so I prayed for God to grow my faith and to please keep me healthy until I returned home.  I am here to tell you, I did stay well for most of the trip! Thank you Lord for answered prayer, both my own and those who partnered with me!  

We first went to the Dead Sea, then on to the Red Sea, where we went on a wonderful luncheon cruise. Next we went to the Sea of Galilee for another ship ride, lunch of St. Peter’s Fish-Tilapia, and many other sights. Our last few days were in old Jerusalem, where we went to the F=Garden of Gethsemane, Golgotha, and the Garden Tomb. We saw the place where David defeated Goliath, and we gazed on Bethlehem. The weather then turned cooler and it rained. I did begin to feel ill, with a cold and fever, but God was my strength to continue on. Some of the ladies gave me vitamins, supplements, and even a few antibiotics were shared. I appreciate God supplying my need through these sweet ladies!  

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing these sights, some of which were new to me since my last adventure. Others were familiar places where our Lord had walked and had performed miracles, such as feeding the 5,000, and places where many were saved and had their lives changed. My spirit was revived and renewed with each day. Just to think, perhaps my footsteps were stepping in exactly the path that my Saviour had once trod! WOW! 

 I also got to make some new friends in our tour group and renew old friendships, too! These were all (34) wonderful servants of the Lord and great co-laborers in the faith! I was amazed as God opened doors for us to sing and hand out gifts to many Jewish people everywhere we went. Some of them cried, others smiled and rejoiced to see we cared and that we truly do support them and love them. Something special was happening, within our tour group, within the hearts of the Jewish people we spoke with, and within my own heart as well.  

Yes, I did get sick as I had feared, but God did some amazing things and I saw some miracles taking place there! And… I had another trip of a lifetime, with so many blessings, words cannot adequately describe it.  

As we are celebrating Easter at the time of my writing, I can surely say, I have seen Golgotha where our Lord was crucified. But, He no longer remains nailed to the cross. I also went to the Garden Tomb, and can tell you, He was not there! For He is risen! Yes, we serve a risen Saviour! 

When you are fearful or ill, or just weary and busy serving God, remember to trust Him because wherever you go, He can take care of you! He’s the Great Physician who knows our needs and can supply them! 

When fears and doubts arise: 

First, remember to pray, and enlist some prayer warriors to pray in your behalf! Heb 4:16,  

Jms 5:16, Eph 6:18. 

Next plan according to God’s will for you.  Jer 29:11 Plan your work, work your plan, and don’t get sidetracked! Stay focused! 

Prepare yourself to accomplish His will. II Tim 2:15, Ez 38:7 

Fear not! Is 41:10.