Finding hope beyond hopelessness

​These past few weeks I’ve been confronted with the idea of hopelessness. I also came across so many Christians struggling to see God’s light in times of darkness. Failures, lies and an overall negative society; ruin our dreams, drag us down and leave us feeling hopeless and far from God. 

​Amidst the battle fought for a glimpse of hope, I heard this uplifting testimony of a friend. Liezl reflects on her struggle with hopelessness and the simple way God came to restore her hope.
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If you are struggling with hopelessness today, you are not alone. If you have a longing for God’s presence, but somehow can’t seem to reach Him; if you feel frustrated and confused, this is for you.

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​Liezl’s testimony:
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The dark frustration

Lately, I’ve been going through a frustrating season. I wanted to share my feelings with God, but I couldn’t manage to express my frustrations in words. 

​For over a month I’ve been struggling to get myself out of this dark, frustrating phase. I had no idea how to find change for the better. I felt overwhelmed with feelings of hopelessness, so much that I had no interest in anything else, not even my work.

The Light

Eventually, I realized I shouldn’t be doing this on my own. Even though I had no words to pray, God still knew my heart. He was aware of my deepest feelings.
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I woke up one morning and decided that I’m done with sitting in an unexplainable frustration. 

I had a date with God. I made myself an enormous cup of coffee, found a comfortable spot to sit and set out to seek my King. In this beautiful intimate time I spoke honestly about every single detail that caused me frustration (even though He already knew it all).

Almost immediately, I felt relief. My intimate encounter with God caused every bit of frustration to dissolve.
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 "Even though I had no words to pray, God still knew my heart. He was aware of my deepest feelings."

I read Psalm 34:8-19, which was most definitely no coincidence!

Once again I realized God saves us from all kinds of situations, carrying our burdens and keeping us safe. The enemy causes misery, trying to create an impossible distance between us and God.  We need to take a stand against this, believing and remembering God is always with us.

​Hope comes from Him and no one can destroy the hope we carry in our hearts.
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“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all...” – Psalm 34:17-19

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​What now?
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Does this mean that I no longer feel frustrated?

​In all honesty, not entirely, but I am definitely more motivated to walk through challenging seasons. I’m willing to take on changes and unanswered questions as I believe a lot of growth will come from this. God is protecting me in this storm.

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​Some advice

My advice to you, whether you’re facing chaos at work; a broken heart, or need answers to many questions - be patient.

Make that cup of coffee, find a comfortable spot to sit (no distractions) and have an honest conversation with God.

​He is with us in every season. He’ll fight our battles. All we need to be is still (Exodus 14:14).
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"God doesn’t always need to show up in a lightning bolt to bring about change."

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Finding hope in your own life
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The first time I (Riani) heard Liezl’s story I almost didn’t pay much attention to it. It seemed so simple. She felt hopeless, had a relatively “ordinary” encounter with God and seemed to find her hope in Him again.

But thinking back on times I’ve struggled with serious hopelessness, I realized God doesn’t always need to show up in a lightning bolt to bring about change.

​He shows up in a church service or when believers meet for communal prayer. He shows up at midnight, when you’re alone in your room; or at some random time when you’re driving in traffic. The common factor is that He’s faithful even when we lack faith (2 Timothy 2:13).

​He shows up!

​​Hope is not a feeling, it’s a Person (1 Peter 1:3). Looking beyond hopelessness is keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus. Hope is never failing (Lamentations 3:22), Hope fights for you (2 Chronicles 20:17; Isaiah 54:17) and gives you victory over hopelessness (Romans 8:37). 

"​Hope is not a feeling, it’s a Person"

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​About Liezl
Liezl is a full-time pastry chef. She enjoys good coffee and practicing her crochet skills. She’s got a witty sense of humour, a caring heart and a deep love for her Saviour.  

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