Have Faith

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

I wrote a devotion a few years ago about someone with whom I've had an estranged relationship. I've prayed for guidance, trying to be patient and trust God's timing. The more time that passed, the harder it became to wait. But still, I held tightly to the hope that He would heal our relationship soon. I did all I possibly could—which was text and e-mail—to stay in touch and let her know I still care. I've tried to be selfless, positive, loving and open-minded in my communications. I've apologized for what (I could only guess) I'd done, have invited her to get together to talk, offered to pay for counseling sessions together, sent her well-wishes on special occasions and much more. Sadly, she never responded. Complete silence. 

Then, the other day, I finally got an e-mail from her—but unfortunately, not the kind of e-mail I'd been hoping for. She had very hateful words for me, told me to leave her alone and that she would never forgive me. After all I'd invested in this relationship, hearing that was a dagger to my heart. I cried out to God, “WHY?!” It just didn't make sense to me. The hope that I'd been clinging to crumbled. Perhaps I just needed to accept the harsh reality that our relationship would never heal and move on. I asked God, “What now? Show me how to look at this with your eyes.”

First, God reminded me to not be blinded by her hateful words. They really hurt, but I know, deep down, this is not who she is. I recognize this as the Devil's work (see Ephesians 6:12). I began praying hard for her heart to be healed. And after grieving for a while, I heard God whispering to not give up hope. To the human eye, this situation does look quite hopeless, but He reminded me that, “with God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). This reassures me, knowing that He's “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).  

I've now learned (the hard way), to not place hope in the picture-perfect healing that I envision. In fact, Romans 8:24 tells me, “Hope that is seen is not hope, for who hopes for what one already sees?” The truth is, I don't know when or how God will bring healing. It may be a very long time, it may get messy and it may not make sense or be fair. But still, I must try to have faith—placing my hope in the confidence that, “He is working all things together for our good.” (Romans 8:28).  As I try to wait patiently for what I do not yet see, I know my loving and faithful God will be right by my side. I have a lot to say about the ways God has been supporting me, but that will have to wait for my next devotion.

Prayer: Ever Faithful God, forgive us for losing hope when life gets difficult.  Please strengthen our faith so that we can trust in your plan for healing...even when we don't understand it. And thank you for the comfort your peaceful presence brings. Amen.  

Sharon Irvin