The echo of slow footsteps bounced off the walls of our front hall. The news they heralded dramatically reshaped our world. I was reeling. Maybe the sound of the phone ringing feels you with a dread of more devastating news. Or perhaps you have recovered from a hard time. But now there is a new tragedy surrounding you. In the ensuing fog is it possible to find hope?
There is good news is yes, hope is available. I found it, and I believe you can as well.
I think that the story of the Widow at Zarephath gives us some practical advice on how to find hope. She witnessed a powerful miracle through the prophet Elijah.
During a famine, her supply of oil and flour was nearly depleted. As she prepared to make the last meal for her son Elijah arrived with an outrageous request. You can read my blog about the first part of the story here.
Here’s a quick summary. Following God’s instructions, Elijah requested that she make him a meal of bread and water. When she expressed her concern, He assured her there would be enough for them all.
He promised: 14 For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time when the Lord sends rain and the crops grow again!” 1 Kings 17:14 (NLT)
God’s miraculous provision saved them.
Life returned to normal. Until the unexpected death of her son.
I wonder if she was reeling with the drastic change in her life.
You may not have experienced unexpected death. Maybe for you, like me, it is the death of a dream or an expectation. But we can still learn a lot from her.
Photo Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Start to Find Hope by Asking Honest Questions
“Then she said to Elijah, “O man of God, what have you done to me? Have you come here to point out my sins and kill my son?” 1 Kings 17:16 (NLT)
She went to Elijah, the man of God, and asked why? Was her child’s death a punishment for her sin?
Asking questions is the beginning of finding hope. I discovered it is critically important to ask the right person.
Friends and family used to be where I went first. While going to them may feel cathartic at the time, it often does not bring wisdom.
Now I am thankful that we can go directly to God and ask. In fact, He welcomes our questions.
He hears us. We can pour out our concerns to Him. And He will answer.
Pray Expecting God Will Answer
In the case of the widow, Elijah took the child to his room. And he prayed on her behalf. “Then Elijah cried out to the Lord, “O Lord my God, why have you brought tragedy to this widow who has opened her home to me, causing her son to die?” 21 And he stretched himself out over the child three times and cried out to the Lord, “O Lord my God, please let this child’s life return to him.” 1 Kings 17:20-21 (NLT)
I believe that he prayed based on who he knew God to be. He had recently experienced God as his Provider, Protector. God’s answers were unrestrained by the laws of nature, or by human expectations.
Elijah’s hope was in God alone. This prophet knew that situation was beyond his ability, but not God’s.
God answered by a miraculous resurrection. Foreshadowing the resurrection of Jesus that would save us all. [i]
We can do the same, praying to God, recognizing who we know Him to be. I recognized God as a loving provider.
Because the answers I wanted were beyond my abilities, I knew my only hope was in God.
I prayed expecting Him to answer.
Allow God’s Answers to Change Your Future Responses
The answer to your prayer may not be as quick and miraculous as Elijah’s. Your situation may not change in the way your desire. Your dream may not be brought back to life.
Mine answer was not. There were many prayers and answers – one small step at a time. Gradually my sense of reeling because of the changes left. My hope blossomed.
My dream was not resurrected. But I began to see the glimmer of new possibilities.
What happened to the Widow of Zarephath? She was thankful her son lived! Because of what happened her faith grew.
“Then the woman told Elijah, “Now I know for sure that you are a man of God, and that the Lord truly speaks through you.” 1 Kings 17:24 (NLT)
She had experienced God’s miraculous provision on a physical and now a spiritual level. Her life changed because of her newfound knowledge, faith, and hope.
In my case, my trust in God grew as I saw Him work in ways I had never imagined. The answers provided were not ones I would have asked for. But I now see they are even better.
I believe following these steps helped me move from reeling to looking to ny future with hope:
- Asking God honest questions
- Praying expectantly
- Allowing what I learned in the experience to change my reactions to the next challenges
As a result, it’s easier for me to approach new challenges calmly, with hope. I know you can experience this as well.
[i] https://www.blueletterbible.org/audio_video/popPlayer.cfm?id=4859&rel=mcgee_j_vernon/1Ki