While There is Fear in the Unknown; Hope Remains

The vivid memory of receiving the diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa at age nineteen has mostly dissipated now, but certain words will remain forever.

“”Incurable . . . progressive. You will go blind.”

My mind thought How can I process this? I can’t even pronounce or spell the name of the disease.

This overwhelming, distressing, and permanent-sounding news left me unaware of how I would cope. Fear of the unknown tried to smother out all hope, but hope remained because I knew God was with me.

Knowing I’d never see normal again. I needed hope. Thankfully, my personal relationship with Jesus Christ gave it to me. He promised in Hebrews 13:5 to never leave us nor forsake us, hope remained, and hope will always remain – regardless of the circumstance.

God assisted in changing my focus from despair to hope, and from hardship to heaven, even if it took some time. Currently, the entire world struggles with similar emotions. Everyone and I mean everyone, is facing an uncertain future. 

Hope Remains in the Unknown

All plans and dreams were been temporarily derailed, or put on hold when Covid struck. Ever since, we have had continuous changes, firing at us faster than bullets from a fully-automatic weapon to adapt to.

Our economy was uncertain, and still is. Higher prices make us feel like a caterpillar in a cocoon. With hope, we will emerge more beautiful as well.

Life seems unbearable at the moment if we allow it. Added pressures and stress can be minimized or maximized by what we focus on. What we read and listen to strongly impacts your mood and attitude. 

I not only managed and survived my vision loss but, according to many, I’ve thrived. We will do the same. God’s Word gave me much comfort and guidance, and can do the same for you. 

While I can no longer post verses around the house to aid memory, I remember the context of stories and many verses.

Hope-Giving Bible Heroes

Nothing gives me more hope than learning of others who have gone through as rough, or rougher, times than I. Life is comprised of seasons, and if they survived, so can I.

• Job lost his wife, children, home, and wealthy possessions in one day then suffered from painful boils for months. But then God restored his health, family, and doubled his wealth.
• At 80, Abraham started walking miles upon miles, in unknown territory. He relied on God for safety and provisions for food and water for his and his servant’s families and livestock.
• Jealous and angry, Joseph’s brothers threw him in a well, only to lift him out to sell him to foreigners. Once a servant for someone in power, he was betrayed again, and thrown in prison. He interpreted a dream that came true, but a promise was forgotten. This gift was given in God’s perfect timing to rescue Egypt and his family’s nation.

Good endings await those who persevere.

God Fights Our Battles

The greatest hope of all, outside of salvation, is knowing God fights our battles for us when we allow Him to. Just read and see a glimpse of what God is capable of, and your hope will multiply quicker than lottery ticket sales, and with a much better result.

2 Kings 6-7

Samaria was under siege and a great famine existed. Donkey heads sold for 80 pieces of silver, and a cup of dove’s dung, 5 pieces. Severe hunger forced some to eat their own children. The King of Samaria found the prophet, Elisha.

Elisha prophesied, “By this time tomorrow, in the markets of Samaria, six quarts of flour will only cost one piece of silver and twelve quarts of barley will cost one piece of silver.”

An officer expressed doubt, but God caused the Aramean army to hear loud chariots, horses, and sounds of an imaginary army approaching during the night. Fearful, they fled leaving all behind. 

Four lepers found the empty camp first, but the Samarian king woke, believing a trap had been set. Scouting it out, he quickly learned Elisha’s prophecy had just come to pass thanks to the enemies’ plunder.

2 Kings 3

The kings of Judah, Israel, and Edom joined forces to fight the Moabites for not paying tribute. Serving other gods, they chose to call on Elisha anyway to seek the Lord’s direction and blessing. 

The land was extremely dry and Elisha prophesied there would be water enough for them to drink, and for their animals, even though there would be no rain or wind.

By morning, it was so. Water was plentiful. The Moabites prepared for battle, but to them, the same water looked red, like blood. Assuming the three countries had fought each other, they went to steal plunder. Surprised to find the three armies, the Arameans were slaughtered.

2 Chronicles 32

The King of Assyria wanted to defeat the Israelites. He taunted them by shouting from their city wall, wrote letters, and made fun of the God of Israel.

King Hezekiah responded by blocking water sources outside his city, repairing the walls for fortification, and ordering weapons to be made. He encouraged his people, “Assyria might have a great army, but they are only men. We have the Lord God to help us to fight our battles for us.”

And help, God did. One night, Hezekiah and Isaiah were praying together and an angel of the Lord defeated the entire Assyrian army, and its officers, so there was peace in the land. Yes, one angel.

God still fights our battles. Mercy Me reminds us in the following video that the battle has already been won! Rest in God’s peace today.

May these examples give you comfort today. Hope remains for your life. With your extra time, dig into your Bible to discover other Bible heroes not mentioned above, and more battles God fought. I promise it will encourage you.

Another resource is my e-Book, “5 Keys to Surviving Life’s Storms.” You can get it here for just .99

© 2022, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.