Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

As a nation, we have been through some rough waters. Currently, we are in a nationwide storm as we are dealing with this coronavirus. People are fearful and unsure of what tomorrow holds. In the midst of what’s going on around us, I will like to offer some hope and godly encouragement. In times of distress and uncertainty, I’ve always turned to Isaiah 41:10 which says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

We don’t know what tomorrow holds, but we can trust that God is Sovereign and All-Knowing. He holds the future in His hands and our God is in complete control. He tells us in His Word to not fear because He is with us. Hebrews 13:5 says, “He will never leave us nor forsake us.” Trust Him and place your hope in Christ. We are not alone in this storm. Our Captain’s presence is among us.

JESUS is the Captain of this ship and with Him on board, the ship is unsinkable.

The waves may beat violently against the ship, but it will not be destroyed because the Captain is at the bridge (a room or platform which the ship can be commanded). The Captain will navigate and direct this ship in the direction He chooses and He will bring us safely to shore in His time. Don’t give up; stay on board. Only God knows how long this storm will last, but we can trust and believe that He will bring deliverance at the appointed time.

Mark 4:37-40 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”

Things may not look promising right now, but this storm serves a higher purpose. Through this, the Lord will bring beauty from the ashes and bring about restoration. He will receive all the glory in the end.

Isaiah 61:3 To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

1 Peter 5:10 (NLT) In His kindness, God called you to share in His eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation.

Continue to read His Word, remain in prayer, and remember to always look up. Jesus is our Living Hope! He loves us very much! He will be faithful to fill each of us with His joy and peace in believing, that we may abound in hope by the power of His Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

Psalm 71:5 For You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my youth.

Psalm 39:7 “And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You.”

FEAR NOT! Jesus Christ, our Living Hope, our Captain, our Commander of Heaven’s Armies, our Refuge, our Deliverer, our Strength, our Peace, and our Joy is with us! We will not be shaken! ~M L Haymon