Romans 4:17-21 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told…

We have several examples of people in the Bible experiencing real life fears, and their hope and faith faltering.

“Against all odds, when it looked hopeless, Abraham believed the promise and expected God to fulfill it. He took God at his word…” (Rom. 4:18 TPT) He was promised to be the father of multitudes, yet his wife was barren. Abraham hoped when there was no hope. Abraham activated hope because he was “…convinced that God had all the power needed…”. And the promise was fulfilled. Yet, Genesis 16:1-2 shows us Abraham struggled with his hope in the waiting.

In Judges 6, the Israelites were so fearful of the continual destruction from their enemies they hid out in caves. Under oppression, they cried out to God. God responded by sending an angel to commission Gideon. The angel instructed him to break down the altars of the enemy gods. The angel said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” Yet, this promise wasn’t enough. Gideon’s frustrated response is, “Pardon me Lord. If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? How can I save Israel? …I am the least in my family.” (Judges 6:13 NIV) Then Gideon asks several times for proof of God’s strength and presence. Gideon defeated the enemy. Yet, Gideon struggled to have hope over his feelings. 

Jeremiah knew the pain and struggle of remaining in hope. Before he was even born, God called him as a prophet. His mission was to tear down evil and build up the Kingdom of God. For 40 years, he battled for righteousness against the people’s sin with hope of spiritual renewal in God’s people. But all his efforts were not enough. Lamentations 3 gives a vivid description of his own grief and affliction. “…the waters closed over my head, and I thought I was about to perish…all that I had hoped for…” Jeremiah does not give in to the waters of despair. Instead, he remembers and “calls to mind” the compassion and faithfulness of God. “…great is your faithfulness…the Lord is good to those whose hope is in him…it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord”. Jeremiah struggled with hope because of his failings.

In Matthew 14, Jesus instructs his disciples to get into the boat. He tells them to go to the other side of the lake. Acting on His words, they made it to the middle of the lake. Then a strong windstorm blew in, and they were frightened! The disciples’ hope faltered from their fear and insecurity. 

These stories prove that you can be with God and still struggle in your faith. Trials and struggles do not mean God isn’t near or your faith is gone.

He has a purpose for every storm. The struggle is often the place He reveals himself to us. In the struggle, He reveals himself in a way we would never have known Him otherwise. In the story of the disciples, Jesus comes to them walking on the water! The account doesn’t tell us how long the storm lasted. The important thing is that He came to them in a new and powerful way. What we learn from our trials depends on where we place our hope. Will we hope that the storm goes away? Will we hope that our expectations will be met? Or will we hope in the only One who can calm the storm? 

Jesus is with you and will see you through. We read about His faithfulness over and over again in many accounts that are not on this page. He promises to never leave you or forsake you. In hope, listen for His voice, look for Him. 

HOPE means living with expectancy!  Abraham believed and hoped.