Devotionals for the Heart: There is hope for when life looks hopeless

Seeds of Hope
A devotional by Colette Christopher

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”—Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)

“Life has been hard,” I said silently as I slowly picked up my Bible.

I paused in midair with my Bible in my hands. I could barely open this book without tumultuous thoughts tumbling through my mind as I reflected on my journey through life. I wanted to see evidence of God’s handprint over my life. I realized that hardships were common but wanted to see if God walked with me in these trials. I needed to know if anything had changed in my walk with Him.

My mind focused on thoughts about my marriage that ended in divorce, fears I had as I struggled to raise my daughters alone, and the financial stress I faced. I couldn’t help but think how the pressures of those situations that I thought would have broken me, didn’t. I’m still standing. I’m still here. But there were times when my heart started hardening towards the Lord. I asked him, “How could You allow those situations to happen to me?” And gently just above a whisper, the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit asked me to look deeper.

My body slowly began to relax as I closed my eyes and invited the Holy Spirit to bring to my mind the scenes of those times when I doubted His Presence. As I looked at the story of my life, a single tear rolled down my face as I marveled at what I saw: God walking beside me.

The Apostle Paul wrote these verses (Romans 5:3-5) based on His experience as a way of encouraging us in times of hardship and trials that we as believers we will face. But it is important how we will allow them to work in our life. Will our trials and tribulations produce endurance within us, the ability to stand under pressure flatfooted knowing that our God will keep us no matter what and we will not let go? Or will we let go because we doubt God’s ability to keep and preserve?

I saw something that I missed all these years, life was hard yes, but I endured. I saw myself on my knees, praying for God to strengthen me. It was then that I realized that where I am now was only because I was forged in the fire. Standing strong in the intense heat and flames and allowing God to see me through those tough times produced a strength within me that I didn’t know I possessed. But it was only through God’s love, grace and mercy.

I looked at my heart and with tears rolling down my cheeks, I fully saw that the woman I was then isn’t the woman I am now. God worked on my character because she stood up under the trials. I bent under pressure, swayed with the tide but didn’t let Him go—even when I wanted to—I held on for dear life.

I gently placed my Bible on the bed, wiped the tears from my eyes and thought of the seeds of hope that has been sprinkled throughout my life. The ripple effects of tribulations produced within me perseverance and strengthened my trust in God. I realized how Jesus Christ carried me through these years when I was so heavy-hearted and overwhelmed with despair that I could barely walk. These realizations brought a fresh sense of hope surging within me. Is saw how Jesus has been my hope who has always been there, carrying me in the most difficult of times.

I remembered the prayers I prayed for my children and the days I toiled for them. As I meditated on the goodness of God, I lifted my hands in worship to my God who is my Heavenly Father. I committed my current struggles to the Lord in that moment. God gave me renewed knowledge that there is purpose being birthed in the hard places, and He will use it all for His glory. I opened my Bible to Romans 8:18 (NLT) and read aloud this verse: “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” Next, I read aloud Romans 8:28 (NLT): “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”

Today you may be in a place of trials and challenges. I want to encourage and remind you that it’s impossible for God to fail you. You may be going through some difficult days and you may be wondering where God is in the middle of this. But the question to ask God during this tough time is, “What is it that you are producing in me through this my Lord?”

I know it’s not easy to ask that question. If it was possible we would avoid hardships if we could, but seeds of hope are planted in the hard places. They spring up strong and tall when we allow the Lord to simply have His way in your life. But first you have to choose to remain in the fire and let God forge you. Remember, God is always with you just like He promises to us in Psalms 23:4 (NLT): “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”

Let’s Pray: Spirit of the Living God, I pray for the person reading this today. May You strengthen their heart, fortify their resolve to stand resolute in you when they come under fire from the enemy. I pray that endurance, character and hope will be built up within them like a wellspring, and they will look back over this time and not only see your handprint, but what you have allowed to keep them. Give them a strong hope in your ability to not only save, but to deliver. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Deserved” by Anthony Brown & Group Therapy. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Spirit of the Living God” by Meredith Andrews. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Colette Christopher is an empowered woman who inspires women to be who they were created to be. Her core message is empowerment. She is an author, certified life coach, podcast host, and trainer with the Maxwell Leadership team. 

Colette believes that an empowered woman empowers others and is powerful in knowing who she is and what she can accomplish. Colette is on a mission to impact the lives of the women assigned to her, whether she is their coach or trainer or shares a word that will transform their lives.

Colette utilizes her Christian principles as the base of all her engagements. She is passionate about fulfilling her life purpose of empowering women to know who they are, rebuild their confidence, and use their voices as tools to uplift themselves and others.

​​She is the founder of the M.E.E. Movement L.L.C., a faith-based empowerment ministry business that helps women of faith rebuild their confidence and use their voice to walk in their purpose through life coaching, mentoring, and empowerment speaking. Colette believes in using the gifts God has given her to help women be who God has called them to be and ultimately fulfill the purpose for which they were created. She lives by Romans 8:28 (NIV), that promises, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

A native of Jamaica, Colette resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is the mother of two beautiful young women, a son-in-love, and two grandsons. Colette enjoys reading, writing, watching good movies, and chatting with her daughters and friends.

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Connect with Colette:
Blog: https://www.colettemarie.online/blog
Website: https://www.colettemarie.online/
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2367935
Email: Colettemarieonline@gmail.com