Thirteen Reasons For Hope

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.