In Other Words--Hope in Times of Trouble

"Real life in the real world is a tough, nitty-gritty journey that every pilgrim on planet earth must make. Moving to Disney World is not an option. There will be tribulation; Jesus said so. But be of good cheer. He's still in the business of guiding and strengthening and healing and overcoming."

~ When the Glass Slipper Doesn't Fit by Claire Cloninger and Karla Worley~

We have friends caught in the financial crunch. One, laid-off in May has yet to find a job. Another worked her last day just before Christmas when the company suddenly decided "we can't afford to pay anyone anymore." For so many of us, times are just tight. People are making choices that they didn't expect to have to be making. Real world, not Disney world.

We have friends who are walking such difficult paths with their families. A strong-willed child testing their wits and their courage. Adult prodigals who have left parents at home weeping and praying. Marriages fighting to stay together. Marriages that have given up the fight and are just existing together. Couples desperate to have a baby to be disappointed month after month. Single friends who believe a spouse would solve all of their problems. Real emotional devastation, not Disney elation.

We have friends who are in the midst of a health battle. Life and death choices have to be made--for themselves, for a spouse, for a child. Treatment or no treatment? Quality of life or quantity of life? They face another day of constant struggle. Real physical pain, not Disney anesthesia.

The problems are real. They won't go away with the wave of a wand. But the good news is, God is real, too! And, He never goes away. He gives the grace for the moment and scoops up the tears. He is the only Hope in the real world of tribulation.

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
Lamentations 3:22-24

Bonnie is the hostess for In Other Words this week. Visit her at Ink It Blog and be blessed!