Hopeless or Hopeful

Every fall, plants like ragweed irritate my son’s sinuses. One night, his symptoms became so severe I thought he should see a doctor. Our family had just recovered from months of serious health issues, and I was so discouraged I didn’t even want to pray. My husband, however, found hope in all that God had already helped us through. He prayed for direction. Shortly after, with the help of medicine, our son’s condition improved.

Though some of their companions were discouraged, Caleb and Joshua also showed hope and optimism after scouting out the land of Canaan (Numbers 14:6-9). God had promised the area to Israel, and Caleb said, “We should . . . take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it” (13:30). The others felt it was impossible, that the Canaanites were too powerful and their cities too well fortified (vv. 28, 31-33).

These were serious challenges, but Caleb’s faith rested on God’s past faithfulness to His people in their struggles. God’s people did eventually conquer Canaan, and Caleb received his share because he had followed Him “wholeheartedly” (Joshua 14:9).

Many situations feel hopeless, but for those who know God and believe in His faithfulness, there’s always a reason for hope as we trust His power and grace to carry us through.