Reasons to Hope When You are Hurting (8.2.22)

1. GOD is truly in control. 
   If GOD is GOD, then nothing happens apart from His knowledge and permission. While it is difficult to imagine why GOD allows some painful things to happen, His character, revealed in the Bible and through the testing of generations, leads us to the conclusion that He is willing and able to sustain you during the worst of times.
   
   We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. - 2 Corinthians 4:8-10
   
   
   
2. There is an eternal life to come. 
   For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:17-18  
   
   He will keep you strong right up to the end, and He will keep you free from all blame on the great day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. - 1 Corinthians 1:8
   
   
   
3. The story isn't finished yet.
   Time after time, the Bible records hopeless situations that ultimately ended in victory. Think of Job's sickness, Joseph's betrayal by his brothers, David's adultery, and the many who were healed in mind, body, and spirit.
   
   But Joseph told them, 'Don't be afraid of me. Am I GOD, to judge and punish you? As far as I am concerned, GOD turned into good what you meant for evil. He brought me to the high position I have today so I could save the lives of many people. - Genesis 50:19-20
   
   
   
4. GOD has not given up on you! Don't give up on him.  
   Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. - Hebrews 13:5 
   
   "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." - Jeremiah 29:11
   
   
   
5. There is a purpose in your pain. 
   Ask GOD to reveal His purpose in allowing this difficulty in your life. That's a legitimate question to ask. Often, the answer comes in the process of dealing with your circumstance.
   
   My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations, Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. - James 1:2-4
   
   Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. - Hebrews 5:8 
   
   
   
6. You are loved. 
   Even the most unlovable person in the world is actually loved so much by GOD, that He let His Son die a terrible death to restore their relationship. GOD does love you. No matter what you’ve done, the Lord loves you.  He sees your pain and weeps with you.
   
   For GOD so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life - John 3:16
   
   The righteous cry and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. - Psalm 34:17 -18
   
   
   
7. Your prayers are heard. 
   I waited patiently for the LORD, and he inclined unto me and heard my cry.  He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. - Psalm 40:1-2
   
   And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. - Isaiah 65:24 
   
   He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. - Psalm 91:15
   
   
   
8. You are not facing this alone.
   I know at times you may feel like you are all alone in the battle; however, our Lord made us a promise that He would always be with us. Hold on to that and don’t allow the enemy to make you feel like the Lord has turned His back on you. 
   
   And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. - Deuteronomy 31:8
   
   Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. - Hebrews 13:5-6
   
   
   
9. Others have made it through - you can too.
   Read the Word and inspirational stories of how the Lord delivered others through their storms. Try to connect with others who have gone through similar situations. You will find hope, strength, and encouragement.
   
   A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. - Ecclesiastics 4:12
   
   Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race GOD has set before us. - Hebrews 12:1
   
   
   
10. Reach out to someone else who's struggling. 
    Take your mind off your problems and place your focus on someone else. There is always someone else whose situation is much worse than yours and they need a word of encouragement.  When you do this, you will discover that your peace of mind is found in being a source of hope for another. And it will teach you how to count your blessings and not your problem.
    
    All praise to the GOD and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the GOD who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort GOD has given us. - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
    
    Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. - Philippians 4:8