Roma 8:19

Optimism doesn’t depend on what we see—it stems from what God says. This four-day Bible Plan from Life.Church unwraps eight reasons from Romans 8 to remain unwaveringly optimistic. Start reading part one of the six-part Stay Positive series.

These are unprecedented times for those of us who are alive on planet earth at this moment. Historically, we can find hope if we turn to the One who made it all and is Lord of all. What does the Bible say about why these things happen, what is God’s response to it, and what is my hope in life and death?

Suffering can be perplexing. God’s people—and even Jesus himself—have often asked the “Why?” question when facing suffering. Scripture pulls back the curtain to reveal some, though not all, of God’s purposes in permitting suffering to enter our lives. Through it all, we are called to persevere faithfully, resting in the assurance of ultimate victory and eternal reward.

We may not always see or feel it, but God is always with us... even when we're going through hard things. In this plan, Finding Hope Coordinator Amy LaRue writes from the heart about her own family's struggle with addiction and how God's joy broke through in their darkest times.