Hope in Difficult TimesSample

Finding Strength and Hope in Seasons of Struggle

Hannah endured a season marked by bitterness, irritation, embarrassment, provocation, and deep discontentment. Her emotional pain was overwhelming, making her journey incredibly difficult. In moments like these, the words of Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NIV) resonate powerfully.

During one of her visits to the House of God, Hannah could no longer contain her anguish. She poured out her heart before the Lord in raw, unfiltered honesty, so fervently that Eli the priest mistook her for being drunk. Yet, after she laid bare her pain before God, Scripture tells us that she was no longer sad. Like Hannah, we may face deep sorrow, discouragement, or even the misunderstanding of others. Yet her story reminds us to bring our struggles to God, to the One who listens, with persistent faith and trust. Additionally, God often places people in our lives to support and strengthen us in tough times. For Hannah, her husband Elkanah was a source of comfort and strength.

After enduring her season of trial, God answered Hannah’s prayer by giving her a son, deepening her faith and strengthening her spirit. She came to realise that God alone was the answer to all her struggles. And when He granted her request, she remained faithful to her vow by dedicating her long-awaited son, Samuel, to the Lord’s service. This challenges me deeply: Hannah’s season of testing fortified her faith to such a degree that she could happily surrender her only son back to the Lord. This was no small act; it was a sincere demonstration of trust and devotion.

Here’s my encouragement to you:

You may be in a season where everything feels barren, where promises seem delayed, prayers go unanswered, or battles feel unending. Yet, like Habakkuk, we can choose to fix our eyes not on our circumstances, but on our faithful God. Whatever you’re waiting for today, take heart! God is strengthening you, giving you feet like a deer’s to rise above the struggles of this life. He is preparing you to stand on higher ground.