Hidden Hope

We can often think of hope in terms of something that presents itself in obvious ways.  For example, we are filled with hope when our kids graduate and they begin their journey of engaging new lives post-high school.  We are filled with hope when we see someone who has overcome an addiction and has a new lease on life. 

In a nutshell, we are filled with hope when we see good things happening.

But I think there is also hope to be found in hidden places. . .

I have the privilege of walking a road with 20 or so young adults at my church and just the other night they were asked to share what they felt are ten things that people their age struggle with.  There were no rules or guidelines, only the question:  what is a pressing issue, challenge or struggle that you would like help to address?

I read what they wrote this morning, and I have to say, that I was absolutely filled with hope.  Why?  Not because I was reading accounts of people who had overcome, but instead I was treated to the deep, insightful and thought-provoking questions that had real meaning.  The hope I experienced was hidden in the midst of struggle, and it was amazing!

I am so proud of these people, my friends, who have the courage to express the things that really matter to them, and who are willing to be vulnerable enough to let someone else see inside.  There is genuine hope to be found here because the best answers in life start with asking the right questions, and these folks are on the right track.

Vaclav Havel, previous president of the former Czechoslovakian state described hope this way:  "Hope is a state of mind, not of the world.  Hope, in this deep and powerful sense, is not the same as joy that things are going well, or willingness to invest in enterprises that are obviously heading for success, but rather an ability to work for something because it is good."

I believe that he is on to something here:  that we find hope when we come to a place where we are willing to invest in things that are good not necessarily successful.  That's why the struggles that are shared by a group of people can bring hope because it is the beginning of choosing to travel the hard road of engaging the good fight even though there is no evidence of success just yet!

Wonderful!

Romans 5: 3 says "We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

We all face hardship and struggle in life.  I want to encourage anyone reading this today, that if this is where you find yourself, then do two things:  follow the excellent example of my young friends who showed the courage to express what their struggle is and in so doing, were asking for help.  And secondly, look to God for the help He desires to give you---He has poured out His Spirit in order to provide all that is needed for the journey.

Hope is everywhere to be found---can you see it?

BT