This post is written to link with Five Minute Friday: write for five minutes on a one-word prompt. The prompt today is “thirteen.” Also linking with Sunday Thoughts.
For some reason, one of the first things that came to mind for me when seeing the prompt was the TV series “Thirteen Reasons Why.” I have never watched it but I know that it focuses on the story of a high school student and the thirteen reasons why she ended her life.
I thought I’d share my own version of thirteen reasons today: Thirteen Reasons For Hope.
1. We are never alone- God will never fail us or abandon us. (Isaiah 41:10)
2. Even when situations seem impossible to us, nothing is impossible with God. (Matthew 19:26)
3. No matter what is changing around us, God is always faithful. (Lamentations 3:22-23)
4. However broken we feel, God is the one who has power to heal and restore. (Psalm 147:3)
5. Whatever we have done, God is always ready to forgive. We don’t have to live in guilt and shame. (1 John 1:9)
6. God can work through even the most difficult and painful events and bring good from them. (Romans 8:28, Genesis 50:20)
7. When we pray, we pray to someone who understands. Jesus lived as a human and experienced suffering and temptation just as we do. (Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 12:2)
8. We don’t have to have it all together because God will give us strength, and his power is perfected in our weaknesses. (2 Corinthians 12:9, Psalm 73:26)
9. Jesus’ power is more than enough to overcome no matter what trouble we face. There is no question about who will win the ultimate victory. (John 16:33)
10. God promises to guide us when we are uncertain about the way ahead. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
11. No matter what pain we are going through, it will not last forever. (Psalm 30:5, 2 Corinthians 4:17-18)
12. God can use our challenging situations to equip us to help and comfort others. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
13. We know how the story ends- and it’s going to be better than we could ever imagine. (Revelation 21:3-4)
And that’s just a start- I had to edit my original list to get it down to thirteen!
I’d love to hear: what are your reasons for hope?
PS- I know there are can be times when these reasons don’t seem true or don’t seem enough. If you are feeling seriously hopeless, please talk to someone, such as a trusted friend or family member- don’t battle on alone! Alternatively, in the UK, you can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or in the US, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255. Both these service provide free, confidential support 24/7.
Number 6 is a particularly poignant one for me. God has done so much from the tragedies we have endured, and it always leaves my deeper in awe of Him!
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Thanks, Carol! It is amazing when we can look back and see the way God has worked for good even in our painful times!
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Lesley, yes! Scripture gives us step by step, solid truths that give us hope when all seems strangely askew.
Bless you for taking us right to His Word.
And I hope you’re enjoying your summertime, too …
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Yes, it is something solid to hold on to whatever our circumstances! I am enjoying summer thanks- hope you are too!
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I LOVE all thirteen reasons for HOPE, Lesley. Even before I read them, my heart warmed with hope just seeing that flower bloom in the crack of asphalt. 🙂 Thank you! Also for your compassion and empathy for those who feel hopeless! Love and hugs to you!
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Lovely to hear from you, Trudy, and I’m glad you were encouraged! The photo was a stock picture I found, but it is beautiful and it sums up hope so well. I hope you are having a good, restful summer. Love and hugs to you!
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I love the 13 reminders from Scripture on why I can have hope. Very timely for me. Thank you!
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Thank you, Debbie! I’m glad it was helpful. Praying you know God filling you with hope in Him today!
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God is so awesome! So much hope for all of us. Thanks, Lesley! Blessings to you!
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Blessings to you too, Mari-Anna! Yes, there are so many reasons for hope- it is amazing!
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Praise the Lord, we know how the story ends – and there is a grand reunion coming at “my end” and, yes, I can only imagine!! What a grand and glorious day that will be!! Thanks for including all the verses!
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Thanks, Jennifer! Yes, knowing how the story ends makes such a difference!
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I thought of that show too! (I haven’t watched it either). Thank you for sharing your reasons for hope; I’ve needed some lately!
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Thanks, Paula! Praying for hope for you today!
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Thanks for reminding us that we have God given reasons to be and remain hope-filled. As the lyrics from a classic hymn state,
“My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust in Jesus’ name”
Visiting from FMF. Blessings.
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Thanks, Esther! I love that hymn!
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My reason for hope is simply….Jesus…
Jennifer
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Thanks, Jennifer! Yes, he is all we need!
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What a great list! There are so many reasons to hope. 🙂
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Thanks for visiting!
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Way to be a voice!!… HIS Word is so encouraging and brings breakthroughs in our lives…
http://www.suicidenotmyheart.wordpress.com
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Yes, there are so many amazing truths and promises to hold onto!
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This is such a great post filled with so much hope! Thanks for sharing!
Sarah
https://wholeheartedwanderings.com
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Thanks, Sarah! We can all use a bit of hope!
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I love this list of hope, dear Lesley. People need to focus on hope or they will perish. God’s Word is forever hopeful.
Blessings ~ Wendy
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Thanks, Wendy! Yes, God’s Word provides great reasons for hope, whatever our circumstances.
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Hi Lesley, an important post for those struggling with depression, anxiety, suicidality. Sharing on Facebook. Have a blessed day, Julie
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Thanks, Julie, and thanks for sharing! Hope your day is good too!
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