Hope

I spent some time alone with a friend tonight.

A friend who is really dealing with some crap in her life that no one should have to deal with. Seems that one thing keeps piling on top of another and when good things start to happen something negative just seems to come along behind.

I was glad to be able to distract her for short time and do something that did not have to do with obligations, stress or work. Thankfully God created girlfriend relationships to help with that. The fact that there isn't more to do to help kills me, but that is life right?

But I spent the time driving home alone to really wrestle with the unfairness of it all.

Hope?
The theological virtue defined as the desire and search for a future good, difficult but not impossible to attain with God's help.
Archaic. Trust; confidence.

Where do we find it? How do we hold on to it? Why is it so easy for some to be faithful even in the face of challenges, while others struggle?

Wish I had the answers. But for now one verse keepe resurfacing in my head.

'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.'Romans 8:27-29
I have to have faith in this. If I didn't and I even for a moment thought that all of the stuff that happens to us is purely random or something we bring on ourselves, I would sit in a corner most likely sucking my thumb and crying. Somewhere somehow whether we ultimately understand or know the reason, everything we experience has a purpose. I personally believe to teach us something, or use us to teach someone else something. Most times we never know who we impacted, or how. Occasionally God lets us in on the story.

'but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.'Isaiah 40:30-32

I guess that is how we keep going. The Lord does give us the strength we need, and only as much as He knows we can handle. There are just some days that I have to wish He didn't think my friends and I were strong.