Hope In The Middle Of The Mess

“We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” Romans 5:3-5 (NIV)

HOPE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MESS

Did you catch that? Hope isn’t instant; it’s produced. It’s not false optimism or just positive thinking. It’s born from the struggle of moving forward when everything in you wants to give up. It’s trusting God even without a backup plan.

• What does trust look like for you in moments of despair?

• Who or what do you trust that anchors your hope?

• Is it working for you, or is there a bargain for the thing or someone you have put your trust in?

Who and what you put your trust in has a direct correlation to your hope in the middle of the mess.

The beginning of 2026 has provided us with opportunities to utilize our resilience tools.

• Did you find yourself anchoring yourself in hope?

• Did you utilize your safe community and trusted battle buddies to reach out instead of isolating?

I have a challenge for you: Write out five areas you consider a mess in your life and five ways you found hope in the middle of the mess.

By Grace Abbey

1/5/2026