Hope Lost
Father & Daughter – Hannah & Dave
When Paul and his companions lost all hope of being saved, then there was nowhere to turn but to God. That’s probably a good place to be when we are forced to depend on God.
Acts 27 describes Paul’s voyage to Rome. It was an adventure. Maybe not quite to the degree of Ernest Shackleton’s voyage and survival on Antarctica, but it was fraught with danger nonetheless.
When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. —Acts 27:20, ESV
When a trial drags on I’m sure it’s common to lose hope. All hope of being saved was abandoned while Paul was on his journey. No sun or stars. There was no light at the end of the tunnel and they were in the midst of a huge storm. It’s disheartening when we don’t know when or where the storm will end!
Feeling Weighed Down
A dove nesting on the ledge of the entrance to our house. A reminder of God’s peace.
The length of this trial the Lord has us on is weighing on me. Today was not a very good day. I may not be to the point of feeling like all hope is abandoned, but I’m tired.
Yet I must do the simple things – look to Jesus. Remember that when I am weak, he is strong. Thank him for the army of friends that surround us and love us.
Paul in Romans 5:3-4 says that “…suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character…”. This gives us hope in suffering, but it’s not easy to endure.
If you want to endure you have to stay in the suffering. Not a fun place to be!
The Lord does sustain us. He does gives us the strength in our suffering.
Our Rock & Refuge
Sunset on the Pacific
I wrote this last night and today is a new day, and his mercies are new every morning. So even though I was a little down yesterday, and a little worn out I choose to believe. I choose to look to Christ. He is my rock and my refuge.
Thanks so much for holding up our weak hands through this trials. Thanks for your enduring prayers for Hannah and our family. Things are improving, even if the pace is slower than we’d like.
Keep praying, Keep believing – Don’t Give up!
In His Grip, Dave
Beyond Borders 
There is always hope with God. Blessings.
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That is very true – We need to keep our focus on him instead of the circumstances. Thanks
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Dave, this is so good. I have lived in the valley of chronic pain illness for many years and can count on one hand my good days — and have fingers left over! However, Jesus is my constant companion and I lean on Him daily. I am so thankful His mercies are new every morning, and that his faithfulness is sufficient for me. I will continue to pray Is 26:3 for Hannah: “You will keep Hannah and her parents in perfect peace, whose minds are stayed on You, because they trust in You.” (my version) 🙂
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Great promise and wonderful word – thanks!
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I am sorry that the struggles are so deep. Randy and I are praying for Hannah and your family.
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Thanks your prayers and your concern are much appreciated
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I can so resonate with everything you said here. I’m going thru a trial of my own that seems to drag on forever but I’m finding out that other people have gone on 10 or even 100 times longer. God is indeed faithful in the desert. I too had a very rough day yesterday but today is new for me too. so let’s hang in there together we’re praying for your family. Isn’t it cool to experience the body of Christ together?
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Thanks for walking this journey with us. I’ve seen some of the things you’ve posted about your trials- Dawn & I pray the Lord’s comfort and healing touch for you!
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Continuing to pray, and believe, in JESUS NAME, Dave. God’s Blessings and Strength.
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Thank you – all the prayers do strengthen and encourage us.
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For the last 23 years since we had our first born son, my family has gone through very hard and trying moments of not having a stable income sometimes feeling to be on the edge of life but the Lord has always been present through this rough journey of uncertainty! There are times when the three boys could not go to school but stay home for lack of fees besides having barely something to eat but the WORD of God has always been our partner in the journey and to this day, like Job I can say, “I know my Redeemer lives….” Praying with you brethren as you stay faithful.
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Sorry for all you’ve suffered through- I pray that the Lord will richly bless and encourage you. Thanks for your words.
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Praying that the light of the Son is always shining for all of you, even in the darkest days, when it’s both the most needed and the brightest by contrast.
Much love,
janet
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Your kind words reminds me of the different lighting and contrasts on your photos. Thanks!
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