There is a certain friend in my life by whom I have been completely blessed—not a blessing in the sense of material gains, but something that goes much deeper. She is one of those people of whom you just marvel. Though she may not claim to be, or she might downplay it, she is a remarkable, humble inspiration.
My church offers an amazing ministry through something called Celebrate Recovery. Its mission is to help anyone from any walk of life—no matter their situation—overcome hurts, habits and hangups. No judgements, no pressures—just love. To me, some of the most important work of the church happens every Friday night, 52 weeks a year without fail—even on Christmas.
My friend has been an active part of this program for a number of years, as someone seeking help and someone who now provides hope. She invited me to come hear her story—her testimony of how her life has been transformed. When she began, she shared a rather shocking revelation of hurts that are foreign to me. Her early years began with tragedy. And following on its heels was another tragic event. And then another. And yet another.
Every time I was expecting to hear of that turning point in her life, she instead shared things that were more painful, more unthinkable, and more heartbreaking. I honestly couldn’t comprehend how she was even standing there sharing this harrowing story. But finally the clouds broke and a ray of sunshine began to appear. She said that in her absolute darkest moment, when she felt as though she couldn’t go on, she gave it all to God and asked Christ to rescue her. And he did.
There is no earthly reason why someone who had been so beat up by life, so scarred and damaged, so hopeless and crushed by despair should experience the transformation that she did. And she gives all the glory to a God who rescues. Not only has my friend been an inspiration to me, but she also is an encouragement and support for many others, including young teens struggling with some of the same hardships she made it through. Instead of letting these evil things define and destroy her, she has used them as a frame for empathy. She understands the hurts of others and genuinely commiserates with and consoles those of whom she now has a unique understanding. She chooses to persevere rather than to succumb.
Yet at this very moment, she finds herself again being faced with some rather overwhelming circumstances. She’s had more than the proverbial one-two punch; she’s graduated to the three-four punch. She is swimming against the tide with things that could otherwise consume another person. But she has hope. And faith. And this is what is so remarkable about my friend. She is proof positive that faith works and that hope abounds. This isn’t to say that she is not currently suffering—she most certainly is feeling the sting of these woes. But her suffering has produced perseverance; perseverance character; and character hope.
While her relationship with God is the cornerstone of her ability to persevere and overcome, it is also her family of friends and fellow believers who give her support, comfort and encouragement. It may be a shoulder to cry on, an encouraging word, compassionate prayer, or just a reprieve through humor and fellowship, but by having allowed people into her life, she has built for herself a good foundation to help weather stormy seasons.
Good, honest relationships are essential. Hope is crucial. Without hope, what is there? If you’re hurting, don’t give up. Life is full of seasons—some good, some not so good. It’s sunny and beautiful here in Colorado and yet a tornado just devastated part of Oklahoma. Yet there is hope that loved ones will be found; that homes will be rebuilt; that rescue will come. Without faith and friends, their situation would be ominously bleak. Though comparing our lives to those of others can be a dangerous game when done with envy, consider the situation you are in and contrast it to how much more difficult it might be for others; you’ll find the ability to focus on positive blessings and feed your hope.
Though I know many of my friends don’t share the same faith, from a Christian perspective, and from my personal experience, the greatest hope is found in trusting God and surrendering to him all my fear, disappointment, grief, hurts, habits and hangups. I share with my friend the same uniquely deep hope that only God provides. I get her and I am so grateful for her inspirational demonstration of what it means to hope with great abandon.
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” —Romans 5:3-4
“For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” —Romans 12:12
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you WILL have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and hope.” —Jeremiah 29:11
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