After you finish reading today’s scriptures, come back and use the blurb and question here to dig deeper into the themes of faith, hope, obedience, and suffering. Join your fellow Bible readers in the comments to reflect and chat about what you’re learning!
The author reflects on the stories of those who came before us in faith looked at the suffering and unfinished stories on earth, and instead of being overwhelmed by that pain, they saw evidence that God was not yet done fulfilling His promises. As we place our faith in Christ, the product of that faith is a hope in the image Scripture has given us of what a restored creation looks like and encouragement to participate in the work of bringing the kingdom of heaven to earth.
How does the hope of God’s eternal kingdom help or equip you to respond to God in faith today?
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201 thoughts on "These All Died in Faith"
My faith is strengthened knowing that I longing I feel for something new is coming directly from God. The weight of sin in this world is great, but His power and His timing is greater.
His hope allowed us to know that our trials our temporary and gives us something positive to focus on amidst all the negativity in this world. We are allowed to find shelter, rest and strength in Him leaning on Him when we’re wreaking knowing that we always have someone in our corner even if we can’t physically see them
It reminds me this place is not my eternal home. The pain, insecurities, and sometimes hopelessness is only earthly feelings, and when my name is called, all these things will be for naught. I have a short time on this earth to honor God and bring Him glory and I shouldn’t be wasting my time wallowing in my earthly desires. I plan to make my time here count. Until the day my God calls me home. ❤️
I forget that God’s promise is not realized – it’s encouraging that there is hope to look forward to
It keeps me centered in knowing the this is not our forever but that our everlasting life is far greater and more rewarding then what we experience in the world on a day to day basis.. my peace is in the lord our home is with him.. it makes everything else we experience here seem trivial..
It pushes me to be better and walk in faith more.. keeps me accountable
My hope is that my hope in the Lord will always remain.
We cannot imagine the joys of heaven but I know when I take time to enjoy his creation here on earth it blows my mind how beautiful it is. Now, remove the negative aspects of our world and enhanced his creation, what a place is waiting for us!
My hope is in you Lord and what you have prepared for us.
I pray you lead my steps today! I have a 10 year old birthday party and need patience, organisational skills and joy to enjoy this moment!
Amen
My hope is that in his freedom we are released from the bondage of corruption
As a teacher, the part in Isaiah that talks about us bringing Heaven to earth reminds me that my love and faith in God is affecting my students on a daily basis. I need to continue bringing Heaven to earth for them.
My hope is in God, not on things or people. I need to be reminded of this often
There are days where I’m having a difficult time seeing where all the scriptures coincide with each other. Today is one of those days.
The way I see it at this point is that hope and faith are two completely different things. Hope is where you are hoping something happens. Faith is believing in something you can’t see so to speak. Like having faith in a chair holding you.
I feel this reading is a reminder that you shouldn’t have hope in earthly things, in people you know or love, but solely in Jesus.
The day after the election I was also discouraged. However, I went to work with purpose to keep taking care of those who need me and checked in with those I love. I still have a purpose and have faith. These verses spoke to me to validate my path and to listen to God first.
God is creating an amazing story for each of us. He has already gone before, behind us and all around us. Our hope is not in this world but in Him.
This was so apropos the day after the election here in the US. I am very discouraged by the outcome but reminded that my home is in Heaven and I will continue to be of good courage here on earth. My call to love and serve my neighbor has not changed. My hope is secure ❤️
Our Heavenly Father is creating this beautiful story, and we get to be part of it. How gracious of Him to let us participate in the story even while He walks through it with us. He’s not done yet, and the best is still coming. That gives me so much peace, joy, and hope.
God will keep his promises to us. When we are absent from our bodies we will b present with the lord
Romans 8:24 made me feel that being hopeful for the things we can’t see and putting our trust in Him is the right thing to do
Gives me peace
These scriptures spoke to me and said “ have confident hope that Christ has adopted you.”
Now onto how that made me feel, it reminded me of my dad’s passing. My dad was a man of God who died at 58 from a very aggressive form of brain cancer back in 2002. And I was an 8 year old who was very scared and confused about grief and the God I had heard of until that point . However the day of his funeral, I remember sitting in my room in front of my mirror sobbing and out of nowhere I knelt down right there, and surrendered my life to the Lord because I needed that peace that my father had until his last breath: the peace of the Kingdom of heaven.
I know the authors are talking about the hope of eternal life and that is beautifully …hard. Because to hope for eternal life means we no longer call this body home like it says in Romans. And we immediately go to the pain of loss. However I’d like to share with all the ladies that lean into the hardness of this message that He is also our best friend. He will wipe away every single tear.
Ugh! Post button is so touchy! Instead of being overwhelmed by pain, they saw evidence that Gods was fulfilling his promises. (I’m paraphrasing). Such a good word for me today. I’ve been exhausted with life’s many responsibilities lately and this reading filled me with hope and joy.
Instead of being overwhelmed by pain, they
,❤️
Evening She’s! Reading today later than anticipated. Like others I too was thinking of I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me during todays reading
“ Surrounded by Your glory. What will my heart feel ? Will I dance in your presence? Or in awe of you be still? “
It reminds me of my mom. I have been praying for my dad in his season of grief for him to find Christ and use me as a vessel. The Lord knows I am trying! I pray that you all are blessed this week.
Sophie M, sorry for your loss. Mamas are special, as are wives.. keep holding fast to Father God who does hear your prayers and will, in His time will answer.. keep praying it forward. God hears..
Sending you love wrapped in prayers of hope for one day soon for dad..❤️
My whole self relaxed as i read the Isaiah passage, such hope in not idleness but building.
I love the reading from Isaiah- “before * they call I will answer, while they are *yet* speaking, I will hear “ (emphasis mine ). To me it’s conveying this sense of closeness and no delay in God’s response to His people at this time in the new Heaven and new earth. When I read that I just longed for this so much! I know God hears me now but I want no more separation and delay in hearing from Him!
I love this Victoria..❤️
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Hope you and yours are well.
Sending hugs to you all.❤️
Amen
Living in the now and not yet and also in the hope of glory. I don’t always do the now and not yet here on earth very well. But I also know the griefs, the waiting, the frustrations and disappointments, the weariness and fears are all part of my temporary home here. And God is with me in it all, growing me in holiness while I wait in expectation, even sometimes yearning, for the glory that is to come – my forever home. I can confidently say I know where I’m going and it will not be taken away. Thank you Jesus.
So well said, Vicki. Thank you.❤️
Dear She’s I had to come on here and say how good the podcast is today for this week’s reading. I think it answers a lot of the questions we had today in the comments. I know it did for me.
I had to laugh at all the “groaning” going on in these scriptures… and wonder if someone is following me???, listening to the groaning?? haha But seriously, as much as I love life, I’m ready to be with Jesus, in heaven. A couple weeks ago I had a scare, I had chest pains that lasted about an hour so I finally took myself to ER. While there, I told God that if this was my time, I’m ready. Yes, I would miss things on earth, but I know when I get to heaven I won’t miss the things on earth because heaven will be so much better. I’m thankful I’m ok, but it was a really moment of truth for me. I know there is stuff I won’t get on earth, but I won’t lack anything in heaven. So, if I don’t get everything I’ve asked for, I’m not going to be upset and doubt God’s love for me. He is preparing a place for me even now, a place that will blow my mind, a place I can’t even begin to imagine now. And I’ll have all of eternity to explore and do and see and be and learn and enjoy…
Amen!! Don’t be sad for our loved ones that “left too early” they are in Glory, although it is us that is sad and miss them!! But WE are glad you are still with us dear Kris!!
My dad is spending most of his days in bed , and I know he hates it, he has been a “doer” all his life, and now at 80, has so much pain has resigned to laying because it hurts too much to be up and about. Anyway..I will be “happy” when he is called home to glory, and for my mom to meet him! It is bitter sweet.
Rhonda, praying peace over dad, and praying also for you and your heart.. it is well dear sister, it is well.
Much love..❤️
Kris, thank God you are okay.❤️
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This is a wonderful world..
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BUT GOD..
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AMEN..❤️
Sometimes knowing the ending of the story is the only thing that gives me the courage to keep going when I see so much injustice in the world. I have no idea how people who don’t believe in a loving God of justice can face the future.
I also want to say that the Romans passage really hits home today with all of the pain I have been through since my surgery. My body is definitely groaning and awaiting redemption. Sometimes swearing and screaming, too! When it spoke of the Holy Spirit being a down payment on our resurrection body, I thought, “I wonder if my knee replacement could be considered like a spare tire: something just to get me to the finish line where I get my whole new body.” That made me laugh. But I have also tried to be grateful, because I’m sure my grandmother would have loved to have a knee replacement; that technology just wasn’t available for her. One of her motivations when she was in great pain was that she knew that if she didn’t keep going for her late-in-life grandchildren (my siblings and I were almost 20 years younger than her oldest grands), we would not have happy memories of a loving grandmother. Our paternal grandmother was as mean as a snake! I completely understand NOW what a sacrifice she made for us, and I wish my own mother could have found the inspiration and the courage to do the same for my children, whose other grandmother died before any of them were born.
Margaret, praying Gods healing hand be over you as you recover from your surgery.❤️
The title of today’s reading is hard, like a cliff hanger. “All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised.” Can we be counted among these people? You know they say the gospel is very simple, but it’s us who complicates it. It is simple yes, but it’s not easy to hold on to something, without having received. The Pilgrim’s journey is a long one, many hidden trials and dangers lurking around, passing through the valley of the shadows of death, snares of deception, temptations of re-routes for an easier path, and tribulations. One’s luggage/belongings ought to be light. As King David said, I would have fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. “Therefore, let those that are afflicted according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls unto Him as unto a faithful Creator, doing good” (1 Peter 4:19).
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I want to share some lovely poems, some compilation I gathered from the book the Pilgrim’s progress by John Bunyan.
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“This book, it chalked out before thine eyes
The man that seeks the everlasting prize:
It shows you whence he comes, whiter he goes;
What he leaves undone; also, what he does;
It also shows you how he runs, and runs,
Till he unto the gate of glory comes.
It shows, too, who set out for life amain,
As if the lasting crown they would obtain;
Here, also, you may see the reason why
They lose their labour, and like fools do die.
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This book will make a traveler of thee,
If by its counsel thou wilt ruled be;
It will direct thee to the Holy Land,
If thou its directions understand.
Yes, it will make the slothful active be;
The blind also delightful things to see.
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O world of wonders, (I can say no less)
That I should be preserved in that distress,
That I have met with here! O blessed be
That Hand that from it has delivered me!
Dangers in darkness, devils, hell and sin
Did compass me while I this vale was in;
Yes, snares, and pits, and traps, and nets did lie
My path about, that worthless, silly I
Might have been catch’d, entangled, and cast down;
But since I live, let Jesus wear the crown”.
Mercy, i have a copy of the Pilgrims Progress by my bed. I havent reaf it in a while, but i may pick it up again.
Thank you for the reminder.
Much love to you and yours dear Mercy. ❤️
How does the hope of God’s eternal kingdom help or equip you to respond to God in faith today?
I think it keeps me on track to keep the hope of our final resting place in the Kingdom of God. To know that we have a home and it’s waiting for us is a beautiful thing to keep in my heart when I’m in a dark place in life and in a joyful one. It’s a hope that I can let steep inside me and a thing to keep with me at all times.
I try very hard to answer yes to things I am asked to do and reserve the no for things I know I am not supposed to do. Some of those NOs are just for this time. I have to make sure I’m not making myself too busy. Too busy to worship is what I don’t want to be!!
I am patiently waiting and excited for my kingdom assignment with ushering in the new kingdom of heaven on earth. I will allow my Heavenly Father to use me as He plans. I pray that His Children and strangers alike will begin to see this hope and their faith and dreams be restored. I pray that each day to come. The earth will tremble in overwhelming joy and hope of God’s presence as he makes a grand reversal of the present corruption on this earth.
After today’s reading I am reminded that this life will not meet all of my expectations. But eternity with God will far surpass that I could ever expect or hope for.
I love this Jennifer! And so true!❤️
Sisters, your comments today leave me in awe! Thank you. ️❤️
BRENDA POZARNSKY
– (and sisters)
I knew I was forgetting something I had planned to say in my last comment! Too bad I can’t add this there, but my point about having a choice etc. was supposed to end with this:
as we TRUST GOD more and more, we find it is easier to OBEY HIM more and more and that is something we should strive for- pleasing Him. Another benefit to that is that more TRUST and obedience means LESS FEAR, worry,and anxiety because He has proven Himself FAITHFUL and has grown our confidence in
Him -as today’s reading reminds us.
Now, I think I am done! ❤
Love this
❤
In the Hebrews verses, we are reminded that we, like these saints, have 2 choices: walk in faith with God into His promise OR go back to the life we knew before with no promise or hope in eternity with God…living only for this time and what we ‘see’.
“15 If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. 16 But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.”
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Romans
v.25 But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)
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2 Corinthians 5:7-9 summary:
7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.
8 … we are confident… in the Lord)
9 … we make it our aim to be pleasing to him.
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Brenda Pozarnsky – an opinion on the question you asked last night:
Wow, what a question! ❤ We all suffer in varying degrees (at some point in life). We have a choice to lean on God and open our hearts and minds to what He can do with/through the suffering or lean into the victim stance which only takes us deeper into darkness. As Kris answered, we can allow God to work us through the suffering coming out stronger than we were before- at least spiritually and that is what counts for eternity. I hope that makes sense to you! ❤ Thank you for a great question and a topic we can use to encourage others!
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Even If by Mercy Me and It is Well are 2 great songs for this topic!
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I got here late today so I posted before reading your comments. Looking forward to that now! Have a blessed Monday, sisters! ❤
The Even If song came to my mind as well this morning! I think it played on the radio- and I thought, how fitting!
I think also, we do live in a time and place when we think everything should be fabulous and living large- but living for the Lord is not an easy path, it is hard and comes with many things and people against you! Like the apostles, that truly “WENT” and “told’ it came with persecution and hardship and the enemies murdering them. And/or it could be our suffering and how we handle that- for the Glory!? Does that even make sense?!
Yes, Rhonda the Revelation study I am doing is really clarifying some things for me!
I love your comment Cee-Gee! And thank you for the summary.. always helpful. And the songs choices.. OMG! I’m with you. Lol.
Much love dear sister.. much love from across the pond!❤️
❤ back across to you, Tina, precious sister
Romans 8:18 “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.”
As much as we miss them, it’s exciting to think of our loved ones that are experiencing heaven.
Yes, amen! I love that my mom is in heaven, although I miss her so much. But for you to say that after losing a child-that is for sure a testimony for His GLORY!!
Thinking of you, dear Traci, as Tanners anniversary looms.. much love covered in prayers and hugs, from across the pond!❤️
I can trust God will make ALL things new and He is in control over everything as the sovereign Lord of the universe! I need not fear though circumstances in the world are dark, He is the true light and true hope of the world.
❤️
I saw a social media post the other day that said “worrying is like worshipping the problem” and that has stuck with me ever since. Fast forward to today and I am reminded when I pray- It is a form of worship, when I share the gospel- it is a form of worship, when I mention to my kids while driving “wow look at the sunrise and its beauty “- I am worshipping the creator! Lord I pray today that us She’s desire a place next to you in Heaven, that we hope in all things good, that we confess our sins and come to you everyday in worship and praise! I pray that the day I am snatched up, my arms are open wide ready to embrace my savior and King! Happy Monday She’s!!!
That’s good, Allison. Thank you for that. I have been worrying a lot lately and need to quit it! ❤️
I feel that this is stating to continue to believe and have faith and always look for the good because no matter what there is always good that you can find in any situation.
❤️
Listening to the podcast at the moment – talking about Heaven – I’ve always been more curious about our people relationships there? Whether it’s parent/child, family, husband/wife… thankfully I don’t think of Heaven as boring – but it’s clearly something we can’t wrap our heads around!!
I have always wondered about that too!
Oh Tina, your heart….
Sometimes it is so hard to trust in things we cannot see. I am not too proud or too “Christian” to admit that. But days like that, days like today? I press on. Open my Bible, and pray. Thank you ladies for your beautiful open faith.
Sarah Ritchie, hugs coming your way, across the pond. ❤️
Praying Lord hear our prayers and heal our land, hearts, and bodies. We love you Lord. Thank you Jesus. ❤️
Amen, sweet Martha. Amen.
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Sending hugs and hoping life is being kind to you..❤️
Lord, help us to remember that you are not done fulfilling your promises!
AMEN! Heather O’Malley!❤️
God this blesses me that my faith with you lives and never dies
I just keep thinking of Mercy Me’s song “I can Only Imagine.” So thankful for a hope in Heaven and a purpose here on earth! Bringing people with me to Heaven!
Cheryl we played that song at my mom’s and my son’s funerals. It brings me to tears every time I hear it. It truly makes you think what will we do? Will we fall on our knees? Will I be able to utter a word?
❤️
Cheryl, I can ONLY imagine! ❤️
We saw We are Messengers last night and Jonathan Traylor opened for him (if you don’t listen to him you need to, so good). The lyrics of his song “You Get the Glory for This” answers this for me today:
This is so heavy
And it’s bringing me to my knees
I’m crying out, Lord, I need You now
To come and see about me
Why is this life so hard
Why do You seem so far
But if this cup won’t pass
Help me to stay steadfast
Let Your will be done
You get the glory from this
You get the glory from this
No matter what I have to
Go through in this world
As long as You get the glory from it
Such a beautiful song! Thank you for sharing.
What heart felt words.. beautiful..
Thank you for sharing, Jenn. ❤️
These passages bring such conflicting thoughts and responses to my mind and my heart. While I can’t imagine walking through trials and suffering without the hope of heaven and what is to come – my hope is fully in Jesus. But having actually been in a situation with physical suffering, walking so close to the edges of heaven and almost dying was extremely terrifying. I would agree with Lanie in that all my life, these verses would bring comfort and hope, that I would be the one to say, pray, and hold onto that the Lord would make all things new but, I have wrestled. Having my physical health deteriorate almost to the point of death was so debilitating emotionally and terrifying. In some of my most difficult days I had hallucinations of hell and there was such a fear that griped me. The thoughts of what I would be missing out on was far more consuming than the hope of heaven and the Lord making all things new. All my life I had thought that the longing for heaven was what I held onto, for the cares of the world to be left behind
but goodness,staring death in the face was just so awful. In times of clarity I was much more rational and could center my heart and mind on clinging to Jesus and but never in my life was I more aware of this broken world and my grief and turmoil could easily overtake me. Praise the Lord for His faithful presence, that He brought light to my darkness, that He brought healing through the gifted skill of medical professionals and that although weary and worn, my faith and hope in Jesus remains steadfast. Praise the Lord for my family and friends who interceded day and night, pleading for the Lord to save me. Although it was so distorted at the time, my hope in Jesus is what I held onto, and can almost for certain say that without that, I don’t feel like I could have held on. I believe that the years I had spent in intentionally knowing Jesus, that in making Him my priority had been so ingrained in me that, that I knew His Word to truth I was able to cling to the hem of His garmet when I had nothing else.
This is all so very difficult to explain and I’m not sure I’m making sense at all. I did not/do not question my faith, but the very realities of suffering in my life have both altered and solidified my perspective of what a true hope in Jesus, eternity and heaven looks like.
Our hope in Jesus is real and often times it is the only thing we can hold tightly to. He uses our stories to be used for His glory, to be ways of pointing others to the hope we have in Him. He works all things for His good and His glory. May God find me faithful in these days.
Wendy, I can’t imagine going through what you did and having death at your door. How scary that must have been! But praise God, you did cling to the hem of His garment and He brought you through! And yes, praise God! He does use our stories for His glory, to grow us and to help others have the same hope.
Thankful that God spared your life, and brought you through to the other side. ❤️
Wow! What a testimony!
Thanks for sharing ❤️
Gramsie Sue, was praying fervently for you as the preacher was saying a prayer for the offering and that God provides for us as we trust!! Stay strong in this fear, and keep casting it on the Lord!!
Oh Wendy, that is so good, and is a wake up to KNOW HIM and have Jesus woven so strongly in us, that we HAVE him in our weakest, scariest times!! I can’t imagine! Thank you for beautifully sharing this for us and for your testimony to Glorify HIM!
Wendy I have said how brave I thought my son was. He knew he was dying at 33. He had to have been experiencing many thoughts that he did not share with me. I know he didn’t want to burden me, but I would have been more of a comfort had he shared. I had no idea what he might have been feeling. Thank you for sharing.
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Oh Wendy, thank you so much for sharing this with us. I’m glad you were able to put it into words and thankful for your friends and family that kept “raising a hallelujah” for you and interceding to bring you back from the brink of death. If I’m being honest, I have always been afraid to die. Not that I wouldn’t go to Heaven but I didn’t want to leave my family. I always felt I was choosing them over Heaven. I think I have a better understanding now, and I don’t ever want to give up the relationship I have with Jesus Christ! May we have our eyes opened one day to the many mysteries. God bless you Wendy in your continued walk and battles. ❤️
Wendy B, what a testimony!
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Our hope in Jesus is real and often times, it is the only thing we can hold tightly to.. so good and so true.
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Bless you Wendy, and praise God for your presence her.. He is good.
Amen.❤️
As I think of God’s eternal kingdom, it helps me to better assess the world we live in. This world is NOT my home! I need to remember that daily.
When I recognize and believe this, the things of the world can not shake me. There is so much darkness, sorrow, hatred, and division in this world. But inspite of all of that – God’s Holy Spirit is here. God is working and He is definitely in control. Therefore, I will have faith, I will not fear what the future may hold or how I think the things of this world may turn out.
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I look forward to – with anticipation, the new heavens and the new earth – where all will be made new and redemption will be made complete.
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@GrammieSue – I am so sorry to hear of all that you are going through. It must be very frightening. But don’t lose heart – God sees, He knows, and He has a plan. Praying that He will soon reveal what that plan is.
@Maria Baer – Continuing to pray for you and your family. Praise God for your attitude toward losing everything – and for the faith that sustains you!
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Praying for you all! Have a blessed Monday! Tonight our daughter and son in law are taking us out to dinner in celebration of Jeff’s finished treatments! Thank you God!
❤
Sharon, do you remember that song.. This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through… not sure who sang it..
Your first words reminded me of that!
‘Tis true, to be honest, your whole comment is encouraging and truth based..
Bless you Sharon.
I’m prayerful all is well with Jack and that God continues to bless you both in ways only He can. Amen.
Hugs and love, dear friend..❤️
It is funny how we kinda float or sometimes it’s more like a pinball machine “knocked” back and forth between a feeling of suffering that longs for Jesus to come or us be taken home OR the exhilarating moments in life when it feels perfect and could get any better like newly married or having a baby, or other special moments.
It’s a juxtaposition, happy and sad.
hoping and regretting, ashes and beauty. Thank goodness we have the anchor through it all so it holds us strong through the turbulence and when the waters are smooth, we don’t seemingly need it, but we wouldn’t throw it off the boat, no, we keep it right there, never leaving it behind. We need our houses to be built on a solid structure, on the rock. We need our lives built on Jesus. He is our very heartbeat, our hope for the future.
I often can’t wait to be free of this titanium rod to be out of my back, to have a working, feel good body again–but then I think of others in a lot worse shape than me, than feel guilty. But the longings- in all forms and shapes, are there for a purpose—to look ahead in faith, to know that all things will be made right. That we must run the race as to win. I often would tell me first time 5-k runners–“when you round that corner, raise your chest up, hold your head up–push in your last of strength, and ‘run it in strong”! We have to run our race, looking the part even when we don’t feel like it, don’t have the energy being depleted, we ARE in Christ and Him in US!! We have the deposit- The Holy Spirit, to give us a glimpse of our completion. We have to keep building each other up, knowing through our own trials we had those Christians that cheered us on. Yes, we have enough in Jesus, but He tells us we need each other, and it is such a blessing to meet with others to be encourages and prayer partners.
Praying for all of you each day!
Amen! ❤️
Amen!
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Amen!❤️
Amen, my dear. Amen.❤️
There is a future and a hope for us and this planet! God will restore us back to Eden before the earth was corrupted by sin. There will be a new heaven,a new earth, new immortal bodies. This verse was not a part of our reading but I like it:
“He will settle disputes among the nations and provide arbitration for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plows and their spears into pruning knives. Nation will not take up the sword against Nation, and they will never again train for war.” Isaiah 2:4
I feel like we are living in the times when Jesus spoke about, “Nation shall rise against nation.” Matthew 24:7.
If you have a loved one deployed or have seen the war in Gaza and Ukraine in real time this hopefully resonates.
When I think of hope, I immediately go to Psalm 27:4 because ultimately, it is what I wish. And that hope fills me with joy and resilience in the now—
“One thing have I asked of the LORD,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to inquire in his temple.”
Have a beautiful start to your week, sisters!
Maria – this is one of my favorite verses!
Continued prayers for your family and your housing needs. ❤️
Yes, I love this too Maria. Continued prayers for you and your family as you are navigating these troubled waters. Your faith is so strong and I hear such resilience in your words. ❤️
Maria, next to Psalms 121, these words in Psalm 27 are my favorite!
One thing..
Bless you, dear Maria, continued prayers for you and yours in this time of uncertainty..
God is good. He is faithful. He is a promise keeper. He is near..❤️
Just needed the reminder that God is not yet done fulfilling his promises on a micro and macro level
So much brokenness. And it will all be made brand new. Hope is a beautiful thing. God you are so go. So faithful. ❤️
Hope is beautiful!
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I love this!
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Perseverance – “It is the attitude of the soldier who in the thick of battle is not dismayed, but fights on stoutly whatever the difficulties.” – Leon Morris, theologian.
Reading all your comments today- encouraged by your faith for one another ❤️
Loved these passages, today. My mom asked me yesterday what I wanted for my birthday in two weeks. I immediately replied, “I want Jesus to come back,” then laughed a little bit to lighten the mood.. but I was taken aback myself at how much my heart really felt that way, in that moment.
My life is not at all in the pits, I am blessed in many ways. Yet, my heart groans because it is not satisfied by this life … I know only Jesus can truly make me complete. ❤️ He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion… (Phil 1:6) ❤️
God bless you, Shes. ❤️
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Michelle I get it. My birthday is in a week and a half. I keep saying I want our election to go in what, I see, as the right direction. But Jesus coming would be even better!
Happy almost birthday!! ❤️ yes. Jesus is Lord over whoever is in office… but I understand ❤️
Um, yeah, no election results will solve all of the messes we find ourselves in. We need Jesus no matter who wins in this world. THAT is the only thing we can count on.
Amen, Michelle. Come, Lord Jesus! ❤️❤️
The hope of heaven, the hope that all these troubles will be redeemed. He’s working all things out for our good and His glory! What we face is nothing compared to what we will see upon meeting Jesus and all God has for us in His home of heaven. We can rejoice now, we can walk in freedom, now.
I have to say while usually these verses are of great comfort to me, today they were not. While I sit here praying the end of this pregnancy and birth goes “perfectly” it was a reminder that we live in a very broken world and there are no guarantees in this present age. It’s very hard to look onward to my future home, when everything I’ve hoped for is in grasp. While I was waiting to be pregnant I held so tightly to these verses. It’s so strange to read them again and feel this way. Pray that even though this is not my forever home, that I will get to see a little glimpse of heaven these last couple of weeks.
❤️❤️
Praying that all does go “perfectly” with this precious baby girl and that you can be at peace these last few weeks! Hope she’s busy getting turned! ❤️
Oh Lanie, this pulls at my heart strings and like you said, you are right there at such a “strange” place of the before of hoping, and now the so close longing to come. Now you will have us all in anxiety with you! No, seriously, keep giving it to the Lord, in faith, that he holds you and your little one.
Lord, give Lanie your peace in this anticipation, this hope, this quandary of loving and trusting you yet wanting things to happen quickly and to go right..we have to trust, which is so hard and challenging, but what else can we do Lord? You are the one that holds all things together, and you love and promise good things to your children. Let her feel your peace this week Lord, we ask in earnest for this little girl to turn and be delivered quickly and healthy. In Jesus name. (not the most eloquent prayer, but in sincerity and love.)
Beautifully perfect prayer!
Lanie, your feelings toward the end of your pregnancy are very natural. It’s part of how the Lord prepares us to give birth! I am eating for a healthy baby and smooth delivery. Blessings to you and your family.
I am praying….
❤️ Have prayed for you and your babe.
❤️❤️❤️
Lanie, praying that everything indeed – does go perfectly…and also that if it doesn’t go exactly as you have hoped, that God will give you grace and peace. ❤️
Praying for your heart and faith to be strengthened in this time of challenge. I look forward to possibly meeting you and baby girl in person one day! Hugs!!!
Love you guys!! Rhonda, your beautiful prayer brought tears to my eyes. I told my friend the other day that I am going to be like women who aggravates the judge in Jesus parable, I am going to have so many prayers going up lol. I was praying after I posted this and like many of you songs will pop into my mind. There is a line in some song, don’t know if this is the name, but God of the hills and valleys, where it goes on the mountain I will lift my eyes to the one who brings me there.. and I heard God be like, Lanie, I didn’t bring you to the mountain top to push you off. I’m not only in the valleys, I’m with you in the good too. And so in many ways yalls prayers have been answered, bc he brings me so much peace.
Lanie, trust Him.
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He is So good..
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Continued prayers for peace of heart for you and for the little Miss to turn for the due date.
Can’t wait to welcome her into this wonderful, yet crazy world..❤️
If I didn’t have the hope of eternity, I could not cope with the problems and darkness of this world. That inspires me to share that hope with others.
Yes, amen to that.
❤️
He is before all things, and in Him all things are held together. Col 1:17
This verse gives me hope that God is in control. When I feel like I can’t face this world, I’m reminded that one day in His presence will be better than a lifetime on this temporary earth.
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This isn’t the end of the story, it’s still very much the beginning. Thank you, God, for giving me needed perspective. I don’t want to live for this life, but for the hope of eternity with you. ❤️
Beautifully put, Jody.
Yes, praise God – this is not the end of the story!
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❤️.
Yes and Amen.
The hope of God’s eternal kingdom helps me to feel comfort as I watch my grandparents near the end of their lives. It helps me to recognize what is important in life and that his goodness and faithfulness I’ve experienced here on earth will just be magnified in eternity.
Amen! ❤️
I sometimes get caught up in my worldly problems that one day I won’t have. I love these scriptures I read today. One day I will be dwelling with the Lord! Nothing can compare to this!! Isaiah 65:17-25 are verses to cling to. We will go through hard things here on Earth, we will go through trials and tribulations. Yet we have a heavenly home waiting for us! Praise God!
Yes, Amen! ❤️
Praise God indeed!❤️.
The hope of the eternal kingdom reminds me we are still here so there is more of God’s purpose to be doing. He’s not done yet. Also, if I’m honest there are days I long for the heavenly kingdom.
♥️♥️
2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.
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Reminding myself of the truth of God’s word and the hope in that truth, and keeping my faith in Him, every.single.day.
Amen ❤️
Amen! ❤ Every single day…every single choice… One eternal Hope.
EVERY SINGLE DAY…
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ALWAYS AND FOREVER.
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TRUTH.❤️.
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Hugs dear heart, coming atcha, from across the pond..❤️
Father help me to remember that no matter how high or low the mountain or valley, You are with me and this home is temporary. Grow my faith that my true home is in Your glorious heavenly presence. In Jesus name, Amen
Aimee D-R my thoughts were similar. ❤️
Amen, Aimee.❤️
“God is not ashamed to be called their God”
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May my faith be increased so that God would be proud to be known as my God.
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This leads me to think of covenant. How the parties involved would take each others name (think of Abram being renamed AbraHAm and becoming known as the God of Abraham). God is not ashamed to be known as the “God of Kelly” and one day I will know what name He has given me (Rev. 2:17).
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Have a great Monday! Training begins with another new employee today. Praying she catches on as quickly as the previous on has!
Whew, KELLY, that brought tears, that God is not ashamed of being my God! And one day I’ll know His name for me …
I’m thinking whoop worthy, sister!
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Praying as you begin to train!
Amen.❤️
The God of Adrienne… blows my mind! I had never thought of that and love that He is not ashamed to be called my God. Nice!! ❤️
Wow! That’s great!
“He’s not ashamed to be MY God!”
❤.
The God of Tina… wow!
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How awesome!
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I LOVE it!
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As I reflect and recall to mind, those I have loved that have left this world, I do cry for their stories that never got to be finished… I think of grandma who would have loved to have seen me become a mama, I think of my daughter who had so many dreams and plans for her life, I think of daddy, who just wanted to see me before he was called home. I think of my friend Carol whose heart was so so for Jesus, and yet.. I think of all the other saints to me, gone too soon..
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BUT GOD..
Though they may not have seen or felt or gotten to be a part of my life as it is now, I know it is on their shoulders that I stand in faith today..
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God found me in a little church, broken and lost, and He showed me where Julee was…her last words were ” I have to trust God. ” as she waited for a new liver. she is at peace now. He showed me daddy, as I prayed after HIS passing, in a choir in heaven, a dream of his.. He brings Carol to mind often, and our talks about Jesus and the gift of life and faith.. Grandma, is often sitting in the corner of My minds eye.. praying..
Yes, her hopes and prayers for my safety and well being, being realised in My life now… She may not have seen the promises come to fruition, but I am living them!
My faith and hope is sometimes a ‘pray it forward’ I\we may not get to see the prayers fulfilled in my/our lifetime, but that does not mean God is not listening or working towards..
The first verse of Hebrews 11 is..
“To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of things we cannot see”
That’s the thing, Hope and faith are heart shifts that bring us to trusting God beyond our everyday..
He is faithful, He is good, and He is trustworthy to bring about His promises in the appointed time!
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Amen..
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BUT GOD..
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A missive, sorry.. I probably could have written a book today.. Lol!
Happy Monday, dear hearts! Praying blessings over you and yours as you do life today, whatever that looks like..hugs and love, always..❤
O, Tina! “Hope and faith are heart shifts that bring us to trusting God beyond our everyday.”
So good.
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Yes, so good, TINA ❤️ Heart shifts…
Oh dear Tina, never be sorry for sharing your heart with us you never know how it touches each of us. This morning your story encouraged me to pray for my prodigal sister to have dream where a family member reminds of the truth she has left behind. Thank you sweet sister! ❤️
Pray it forward ! So good. My dad who was in a wheelchair my whole life never got to see me become the occupational therapist he inspired, he often felt like his life was wasted and yet I sit here (very likely) the fulfillment of his prayers that his disability would not be in vain.
Lanie, I have tears reading your post. I wonder What joy your pappa has in his heart for prayers answered for you now! I think the thing here, is to believe,and have faith that though we may not see the prayers fulfilled, they ARE in God’s faithful and at the ‘right time’ timing..❤️
Lanie, you are killing me today with my heart strings…how beautiful is that for you to “see” that!
LANIE! How sweet! ❤
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Tina, no apologies needed, especially because your words made me think and pray for my loved ones who have departed, and those still with me who have not found their way to Christ. Have a blessed day.
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Love your insight Tina. Never apologize!
“Hope and faith are heart shifts”
So good!
I want to read your book!!!
Hugs ❤️
Lovely as always, TINA – just like you, sister! ❤
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You always soften my heart with what you share. Thank you dear wonderful Tina!
Oh Tina your words had much comfort for me today! A very good friend who truly loved
Jesus got to see Him face to face a few days ago.My heart is bleeding but I take
comfort in the
immutable fact that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. She left us suddenly ,
without any warning but I thank you for
reminding me that hope and faith a heart shifts that bring us to trusting God beyond our everyday!These last few days I’ve had
many reasons to exclaim But God….
So I will trust Him
even when I can’t
“trace” Him! Faithful is He who promised!!!
Oh R, I am so very sorry for your loss. I am sorry for your heart hurt..BUT GOD.. He is with you, and He is faithful in His promise to never leave you.. He is with you in your pain, He is with you in your tears and remembering, He is with you..
I am so very sorry for your loss, dear R..
Praying you feel His nearness in the coming days, dear R. X
❤️!!!!
Ya’ll, I am so very blessed to journey with you all.. God is good.. Amen.
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Much love to all, as always, covered in prayers and hugs..❤️
I can trust you, Lord, because your spirit was given to us as a downpayment of what is to God. I can look around at your creation and, when I see the majesty of a blue sky, think that this is only a glimpse of the beauty of the new creation. I can think of the brokenness that is going on in the Middle East currently and know that it is not forever. Just as I participate with creation in the ‘groaning’, I know I also participate in the hoping, and because I participate in the hoping, I can rejoice in my everyday and give my all to it.
Hope you have a lovely day, sisters.
❤️
I am so glad to be reading this study as I am seeing all kinds of connections in Scripture and in my own life.
I know some of you have been praying for us in our house saga. We have been praying for a home for years. We cannot buy in the area we are living, prices have always raised incrementally from what we were able to save. We were able to buy a plot of land a few months ago. I thought we would be on our way or at least on a list with a builder right now, but we haven’t. It has taken us so long to get different quotes from people and I am losing hope that it will ever happen as some quotes are very high and differ a lot from another quote we have gotten. The longer it takes, the less money banks are willing to lend us, so I feel time is just ticking by with us losing money. My husband is going to sit down with a friend (who understands building and prices) to see if we can really do this as we feel like maybe we are not understanding how much these things will cost and maybe it is too high for us to afford (some builders provide some things, but not others). In any case, I have been looking at my 5 kids as we live in a 2 bed apartment. God has provided greatly in our wonderful children, and it leaves me scratching my head as to why a house that would fit us is not provided. I am comforted by today’s reading to remember that God has built for me a city. I need to keep with persistent faith and not get impatient with his timing. We are doing ok, and the kids really don’t know of anything different. My boys love sharing a room and my girls, I am sure, love sharing with mom and dad. Would appreciate your continued prayers for this, and for my faith as well as I find I do grow weary with my many requests and I don’t see much hope.
A. Walton.. I truly am sorry for your troubles..
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BUT GOD..
He is bigger than these, right? He has brought you to a place to plant a church, do you really believe He would leave you stranded after His Word clearly tells us.. He will never leave nor forsake us..
He is with you on this journey, the ups, the downs, the confusions.. He is making a way.. trust Him, keep holding on to Him.. that house for 7 is coming with more space than you can do with..
A, your last comment hurt my heart and brought a tear to my eyes..
..for my faith as well as I find I do grow weary with my many requests and I don’t see much hope…
My dear, I have not been where you are now, my journey is so different, but I’ll tell you something… JESUS is the hope.. He carried our burdens and worries to the cross, forgive me, I have tears, so thst we would have life to the full here on earth.. place your hope in Him and trust the One who sent His Son to bring us, and be our Hope..
Again, I am sorry for your troubles…
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BUT GOD..
Will continue to pray for you and yours and your troubles..
Much love,
Tina. ❤️
Praying, A, for your husband’s sit-down with his friend, that there would be understanding of the many pieces of building, but above all that there would be a comfortable housing solution provided for your family ❤️
I am in agreement with Tina’s encouragement – I think of Matthew 6:25-34. God takes care of His people. I am thankful to know your children don’t complain over their circumstances. My parents and 6 siblings shared a 3 bedroom ranch with one bathroom until I was 14 years old. Then we moved to a different state and got 2 bathrooms and 4 bedrooms, a two story house. It was hard living in that ranch, sharing one bathroom and the walls were so thin… yet I think fondly of how close we all were, despite the fights and arguments that were inevitable in a big family. God will get you though this… He takes care of His people. I pray most that your family stays unified… this, as we know, is more important than our physical desires and comforts. I pray your children, husband, and yourself love each other to the very end!!!! ❤️ God bless sis. God is proud of your efforts!! But mostly proud bc He is the one who made you and loves you for who you are :)
A
Praying God opens a door for you and your family.
Oh wow. How I wish I could remember this episode to send you to. One day I was listening to the Dave Ramsey show and a couple was there to do their debt free scream and their story was IDENTICAL to yours and he quoted this passage from Romans 8. This episode was SO inspirational to me. It changed everything. My whole perspective on “my present sufferings” bc even though I was also desperately wanting to be in house and living in a 2 bedroom apartment I didn’t have 5 kids! They got there and you will too! Dave quotes the proverb that says “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life” . Which I just realized I’m writing this basically connects us full circle to revelation. You will get there !
I love the Dave Ramsey Show. So much financial hope offered!
Me too, big fan of Dave Ramsey Show and his boldness in speaking truth. He has such a father heart for those suffering in financial bondage. I love his sense of humor too :):) Praise God for Dave and his work!
I don’t know where you live, A. Many people here (NW Missouri), build “shouses” or “Morton houses” that look like “regular” wood, shingle, etc. houses. Something to consider, maybe?
Continued prayers for God’s provision to your family.
A Walton – Your situation reminds me of a praise chorus that I taught children many years ago…”My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there’s nothing my God can not do. The mountains are His, the valleys are His, the stars are His handiwork too. My God is so big, so strong and so mighty there’s nothing my God can not do!”
I hope this encourages you – continued prayers for you and your family, remember – He is able! ❤️
One of our fave preschool songs! ❤️
Praying for a home that will meet the need of your family
Oh sweet sister,
Hugs for you and prayers for provision!
He CAN provide whatever you need!
Don’t give up hope!
A. WALTON, I join our sisters in lifting you to our God- for peace in your current living conditions (praise God that you have a solid roof over your heads!) and hope in God’s plan for your future home. My husband and his siblings – 9 altogether- shared 2 bedrooms! Love, hugs, and prayers, especially for your husbands meeting!
Lovely as always- just like you, sister! ❤
Sending many prayers up for you and your situation. God is in the waiting but sometimes our human hearts have a hard time seeing/feeling that. God bless you and your family. Praying for good answers with your husband’s meeting.❤️
You had me in prayer with you at “my 5 kids!” lol. That needs prayer in itself. Look at it this way though, you can see them all from the kitchen, or at least hear them all! Sometimes the closeness is better. But you parents definitely could use your own room and privacy! ;)