In Christ alone, my hope is found.

Today’s featured post was supposed to be our yummy gluten-free carrot cake recipe. However, the Lord a had different plan, He woke me up in the wee early morning hours and put it on my heart that we could all use a bit of hope right now. Don’t fret, the carrot cake recipe is coming up next and it’s oh so good.

To say that lately life has been like a really long drawn out episode of the Twilight Zone is an understatement. 2020 has definitely brought its fair share of trials and discord. From Covid-19, to riots in the streets to political unrest it’s been a heavy burden on all of us to bear. There have been so many days this year that I have felt overwhelmed and discouraged wondering, “God, where are you? Do you even see what’s going on down here?” I am sure you too have felt this way many times in life and maybe a little too often this year.

Deep down I know that God more than sees what’s going on. God is so intimately connected to all of us, He knows all our fears and concerns about the future. “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I am far away.” {Psalm 139: 1-2 NLT}

He wants to impress upon our hearts that His love for us will never fail us nor will it forsake us. “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.” {Jeremiah 31:15 NLT} Let’s take a look at the powerful word of God together and His faithful promises that remind us of this.

“For the mountains may move and the hills disappear but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken says the LORD who has mercy on you.” {Isaiah 54:10 NLT} When the world around us feels like it’s falling apart we can rest assured that God’s love will always be our firm foundation for our “God is a strong tower in times of trouble.” Our God is so merciful, He is with us in every trial and “nothing can or will separate us from His love.”

“The Lord is my light and my salvation so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?” {Psalm 27: 1 NLT}

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” {Psalm 37:23 -24 NLT} God knows every single detail of our lives big and small and He wants to be involved in every one of them. One thing I can tell you from my very own life is that when you simply call out to Him no matter what the circumstance, He hears you and He helps. I promise there is so much power in simply whispering the name of Jesus throughout your day. Try it, I promise it’s fulfilling.

One of my life verses is “Don’t worry about anything; but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace that surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” {Philippians 4: 6-8 NIV} I know this is easier said than done, it’s in our human nature to worry and be anxious, however, when we truly realize that we are not in control and God is, then we can truly surrender all our burdens and requests to Him with thanksgiving. Well you may ask, what does that look like? Be thankful for my troubles and trials! Yes I know that sounds a bit odd but the truth is God never allows a trial or pain unless something really good will come out of it.

In my first marriage, I experienced infertility. I could not get pregnant at all no matter what we tried. At the time I was so heartbroken. Looking back now I realize God protected me from not having children and bringing them into such an abusive marriage. I still experience infertility with my now husband Jonathan, but the good news is we were able to get pregnant. It was not a successful pregnancy and we miscarried quite early on, it was a very painful and heart wrenching time for us but we never felt angry at God, we instead thanked Him and we continue to pray and trust in His perfect timing. We also hold tight to Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

At times I know it is really difficult to pray or feel God’s presence when we are going through a really tough time and feel hopeless. I know, I have been there too many times to count. It’s in these times that I simply sit quietly in the Lord’s presence and be still and let the Holy Spirit pray on my behalf. “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.” {Romans 8:26 NLT} Here is a great article from Pastor Rick Warren about those times we feel God’s absence in our lives.

I know you may be so weary and discouraged feeling like there is no end in sight. Isaiah 40:28 – 31 NIV is the perfect verse to recharge your weary soul. “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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.”

The Corona virus has really taken us for a ride this year, and it continues to hang over us like a cloud of gloom. One thing I will say about this is do not let the fear of this virus overtake you. “Perfect love casts out fear.” 1 John 4:18 NIV God is love, so just keep your focus on Him and pray for His protection from this pestilence. Psalm 91 is the perfect psalm for the Corona virus. Pray it whenever you feel this fear coming over you and pray it over your family.

Also a very powerful weapon against the schemes of the evil one is to pray this bible verse “no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.” {Isaiah 54:17 NIV}

I hope this post inspired you today and was a reminder that our hope is found in Christ alone. “Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD.” {Psalm 31:24 NKJV} Stand on the word of God as it is your weapon to get through the daily battles we face on this earth. As Jesus says in His word, “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 NIV} Amen all glory to God.

Before I go, here is a sweet story I wanted to share with you about a sweet baby named Hope and a heroic police officer. It brought me so much joy and shows how great humanity can be when we are guided by the love of Christ. I hope it brings you joy as well.

Fashioned by the Father’s Hand,

XOXO,

Nandi