ONE GREAT HOPE: Andi
Then God said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Listen to what they’re saying: ‘Our bones are dried up, our hope is gone, there’s nothing left of us.’
“Therefore, prophesy. Tell them, ‘God, the Master, says: I’ll dig up your graves and bring you out alive—O my people! Then I’ll take you straight to the land of Israel. When I dig up graves and bring you out as my people, you’ll realize that I am God. I’ll breathe my life into you and you’ll live. Then I’ll lead you straight back to your land and you’ll realize that I am God. I’ve said it and I’ll do it. God’s Decree.’”
Ezekiel 37:11–14, The Message
“Our bones are dried up, our hope is gone, there’s nothing left of us.”
Have you ever experienced these feelings, thinking that all hope was gone? Ezekiel 37:12-14 tell a story about being brought out of a grave of despair, having life breathed into an empty heart, being led to a land of peace, and… a realization of WHO had done all this! This is my story, too.
In 2008, my marriage of 39 years ended after discovering that I had been betrayed for ten months by someone I trusted and loved. Everything I knew had been imploded, not only for myself, but also for my adult children and grandchildren. I felt utterly helpless—no hope, no faith, no trust, no rock, and no foundation. I spent ten days in a haze, yet somehow also filled with peace. I managed to pack up my belongings, organize everything I needed, and then drive from Texas to Illinois. Over the course of those ten days I felt propelled forward. I had no understanding of why or how I managed it all.
As time went on and I settled in Illinois, I felt a presence with me and came to realize I was not alone. God had been with me all that time! He had rescued me from the pit I had been in and brought me to a safe place, and he has provided for me ever since. My hope had been restored! Through reading scripture, spending time each day with the Lord, and experiencing much of what He has to offer, I was able to find hope once more and develop an amazing relationship with God.
I found in scripture, particularly in Jeremiah 29:11–13, an example of God‘s promise of unconditional love and guidance. Through these verses I was able to find hope!
Hope. It’s such a small word, yet so very powerful! It is fuel for the downcast and for those weighed down with worry. It is a lifeline gifted to us by God. It is the faith that God does have plans for us, no matter how things may look to us today.
Whatever challenges you are currently facing, whatever is causing you worry, HOPE is the key to persisting along the way. God works on our behalf! Never let go of the lifeline of hope.
Dear Lord, thank you for reminding me where Hope is found. Help me to put my complete hope and trust in you today. Amen.
Reflect on this:
What might God’s “lifeline of hope” look like in your life today? Is it a person? A promise? An unexpected grace? Something else?
Andi Kristo lives in Sun City West, AZ
My glass is always half-full in the good times AND the not so good times, and on occasion it has even overflowed with love, laughter and gratitude. My passion is knowing each day that I am loved by Almighty God, Jesus, and the beautiful Holy Spirit! She leads me daily to be the best woman I can be.
As long as I have known you, Andi, you have exuded hope. And it freely flows from you to those around you. Thank you for this powerful message that hope is there for us no matter what circumstances we’re facing. As you so beautifully reminded us it is truly a lifeline gifted to each one of us by God. God is our HOPE today, tomorrow, and always!
Love your post Andi! Hope is most important especially in our world today.
Thank you Andi for your story of God continually giving you peace throughout all the changes in your life. I see the Spirit working in your life. You are a blessing of hope to others.
Thank you for your message of hope and of how God has been with you through ‘hopeless’ times! Our God is so good and loving! So encouraging how God has given you such joy!
Thank you for sharing your story!