Hope During Hardship

This post was written by TeenPact Student Body Senator Micah Burk of Oklahoma.

A few weeks ago, my Church began a study on the book of Habakkuk. Through this study it became so apparent to me just how many people are suffering in my community. The fact is that we will all face low moments in life and Habakkuk shows us how to grow from a stage of perplexity and doubt to a deep hopefulness and trust in God.

The first chapter begins with Habakkuk crying out to God for help. One thing that the Lord has been teaching me is that in times of desperation, it is okay to wrestle. The very word habakkuk actually means “to wrestle and embrace”. We can ask questions and wrestle with God, but during these times, we must also hold onto Him because in Him we have hope.

Instead of seeking God when we are struggling, we often question the goodness of His will. Yet, we have hope. While we do not hear the audible voice of God, He is not absent. In fact, it is during these moments that we need to be closest to our Father.

I think back to a few years ago when I was injured playing volleyball. It was the most difficult season of my life. I underwent a major surgery and persevered through months of physical therapy. I cannot tell you how many times I prayed for healing and it just wasn’t happening. Three different times my physical therapist had me tested because he thought that I was finally ready to be released. Every time, I failed. It seemed like a never-ending stage of waiting. Perhaps you can relate. I don’t know what you may be going through but please know that God’s delays in your life are not His denials. Have hope! My Pastor said, “If it’s not God’s timing, you can’t force it, but when it is God’s timing, you can’t stop it!”

During this time of waiting in the valley, it is so important that we remember His goodness. God promises in Romans 8 that, “He works all things for the good of those who love him.” So embrace the hard times and worship him though it all. Believe me, while I was laying in bed for weeks, literally unable to move my entire leg, the last thing I wanted to do was praise God. But sometimes the most passionate and intimate praise comes before the provision. Have hope and a faith that worships despite your circumstances. It is okay to cry from the depths of your heart believing in the goodness of God in the middle of pain.

TeenPact is such a refreshing mountaintop experience and at every single event I have attended, I have heard at least one prayer request asking that we not sink into a valley as soon as we step foot back home. Have hope because we get to enjoy Him on the mountaintop, but we get to know him in the valleys. We may praise Him on the mountaintop for the what, but in the valleys we simply praise him for who he is. We brag on Him on the mountaintops, but we get to know Him intimately in the valleys.

James 1 says, “I consider it pure joy, whenever I don’t understand, whenever I face trials of many kinds. Because I know that these trials, these hardships, they are doing something in me, they develop perseverance. And perseverance must finish its work, so that I may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” I am encouraging you, have hope when you face hardship. Embrace God and His perfect goodness without ceasing, regardless of the situations you find yourself in.

Senator Micah Burk