2020 was the year of unprecedented circumstances. It seemed as though every month brought a new level of distress as we endured our habitual comforts, social connection and at times, even our essentials being ripped away.
As I reflect upon the last several months, I cannot help but witness a deeper level of faith emerge. It is evident that the courage to persevere, believe and press on, was both disturbingly beautiful, and also proved to be a worthwhile strategy. God carried us through this wasteland even when things all around us were falling apart and at times were all-out hopeless.
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior” (Habakkuk 3:17-18).
Habakkuk knew these hopeless seasons well. What I find so empowering is that he made a radical decision to trust the character of God versus the circumstantial evidence in front of him and to step out and declare joyfully that God was his savior, making the hopeless situation hopeful once again.
Daughter, If we anchor our hope on the evidence of our current season rather than the unshakable character of our heavenly father we are sure to be overwhelmed.
The eternal promises of God are outside of our timeline, interweaving heaven and earth all at the same time. Our existence thrives in his hands, angelic hosts concern us as he commissions deeper protection for us.
Daughter, he will continue to bring us out of this season of wasteland and he will deliver us from the grips of the evil one, for the victory has already been won.
Some of you have suffered deeply during this past year or longer. Today I want to declare over you that your heavenly father sees your struggles and yet unconditionally loves you today as you are. He will come through and he will not give up on you or your situation. His character and love will persevere through all things, making your hopeless season hopeful once again.
Prayer:
May the God of all creation imprint victory on your heart and may you find the courage to rejoice in the Lord even when your circumstances do not bring you any hope. May you persevere and trust your heavenly father deeper than ever before. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
- What season are you in currently? Is it a hopeless or hopeful season?
- If you feel as though it is hopeless, ask the Lord to reveal his heart for you in a deeper way. Reflect on what you feel he shows you.
- What promise(s) of God can you declare over yourself today?
Esther “Annie” Rhoades is a mom to three, wild and free kids and has been happily married to her best friend, Jon, for over 10 years. Annie values experience over things and loves yoga with worship music, diving into the word, hosting, thrifting, making healthy goodies, and traveling.