Hope is the ability to keep going in the midst of adversity and bleakness. Hope isn’t something tangible; it is a state of being. Being present in the moment even when everything is working against you. It is important to stay focus while hoping in God and not give in to negative thoughts and fears. You can become an enemy to your own self by listening to self-negative thoughts and questioning your faith. Resist those thoughts and think on God.

When your surroundings are so uncomfortable that you feel restless, helpless and unable to try again or expect the best. Somewhere you find hope and that hope tells you to keep going, keep believing, and keep trusting. That help is God. Like that saying when you are weak that’s when God is the closest. I believe that because oftentimes while experiencing hardship I’ve found that nudge of help that inspires me to keep going when it seems so hard. When my mind wants to give up or give in, like a whisper God gently shepherds me to move forward with faith and encouragement. That’s hope working and there is something wonderful at the end of hope.

Even when it feels like you can’t believe or trust, you have to hope. Even when others around you are doing well and living unpleasing to God, yet are still getting blessed. You must hope for yourself. Even in the face of severe criticism, unfair judgment, harsh words, despair, unkindness, even in the midst of experiencing a blessing drought, you must hope and not lost faith. No matter what the world throws at you, no matter what life gives you and not matter what God allows, you must have hope and trust in Him.
Resist the urge to quit, to put yourself down, to lose faith, to stop living, to stop loving, to stop hoping. Never Give Up!!!

You can’t give up because the expected end hasn’t happened yet. More blessings are to come and you have been praying to God for your heart’s desire. He heard you and is ready to bless you with what you’ve asked. If it is His will, it will be done. And in case you’re wondering about His will, wondering if you’ll like His will, then let me put your wondering at rest. His ways and His thoughts aren’t like ours. He sits high and sees much better than we so I know God has a better idea than we can ever imagine so trust me you’ll love His will. And just because He hasn’t answered yet, or there is some delay that has troubled your heart, don’t be troubled. A delay is preparing you for an awesome blessing. So hope in the Lord. He can do all things. The impossible isn’t hard for God. The unseen or never heard of is what He specializes in.

One more thing: Others are depending on you. So you can’t surrender. Your blessings are connected to others. Look at Oprah. Had she given up when she was told she would be nothing, when she was dirt poor, and when she was sexually abused, then look at the millions of people that wouldn’t have been blessed by her. Your blessings are meant to help others. Marvin Sapp sings it’s not the time nor place to throw in the towel. You gotta hold on and be strong. Hardship is a part of God’s plan so don’t be dismayed.

My prayer for you this Christmas season is that you remain open to what God is doing and allowing in your life. That many miracles come your way. I pray that you don’t give up just because the situations in your life get challenging. If your faith is challenged, I pray your faith increase. If your trust is challenged, I pray your trust in God never ends. Should your heart get broken or discouraged, I pray your heart stay open to God so that healing will set you free and resentment escapes you. I pray that you take your hopes, disappointments, dreams, ideas, and setbacks to the feet of the cross and give it all to God and worry about nothing. I pray that you cry out to Him for strength and find a refuge like no other. Trust in Jesus. Have faith in the Lord. Hope in the Lord. Keep holding on. There is help for your situation, hope for your despair so don’t give up because this is just beginning.

In Jesus name, Amen.