Life & Disappointment

She is 30-something, and life hasn't gone as planned. Divorced, no kids, temp work, living in the parents' duplex.

He is 30-something, and he had hopes--a career, financial security, health, adventure. Now three degrees later and no light in sight, he has to move with his wife into a friend's place because his part-time wages are more than consumed by medical bills.

She is 30-something, and she is still looking for her dream--kids. Financial burdens and instability make it seem impossible. She registers at the local food bank.

These are all real stories happening in real time with no easy answers. But these people are in good company:

He is sold as an Egyptian slave by his brothers and gets thrown into prison even when he has been faithful to God. When will the dream of the bending grains come true?

She has been promised to be the mother of a great nation, but she is old and has no children. Who wouldn't laugh?

He grew up in the palace, but now nearing 80, he has spent the past forty years wandering in the desert. Is this how it will end?

He was a child star, even anointed to be king. Instead, he's forced to run from the government as an outlaw with a band of thugs.

His best friends desert him at the entrance to his darkest valley. His greatest hope for the movement is the one most vehemently denying him.

I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the LORD : "O LORD, save me!" The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. (Psalm 116: 1-7)

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:11)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)