Hope in God’s Promises

I was blessed with a mother-in-law who welcomed me into her family with open arms and an open heart. She fully accepted me from the beginning and never once made me feel as though I did not belong. She asks my opinion, includes me in everything, lends a hand whenever I need it and loves my children unconditionally. So finding out that she had been diagnosed with cancer left me completely devastated and hopeless. 

I read my Bible daily, pray constantly, am in a life-giving community and lead a podcast encouraging women to grow in their relationship with God. I feel as though I am rooted deeply and abiding in God’s word. Yet, when I heard this news, it took me a while to remember how powerful my God is. I was immediately blinded with thoughts of what our future looked like and the hard road ahead. I prayed for God to heal her and knew it was possible, but still let the fear and anxiety hold me captive. I grieved over what the future might look like for my family and over big plans that included our matriarch that had to be put on hold. I held on to the proverbial blindfold of my feelings over what I know God can do. 

In John 20, Mary Magdalene visits Jesus’ tomb and sees the stone rolled away and that it’s empty. Her mind immediately thinks his body has been stolen. Jesus cast seven demons out of Mary (Luke 8:2). She followed Jesus closely and listened to his teachings. Yet, when she saw his body gone she did not immediately hope for his resurrection, rather she panicked. She let her grief blind what she already knew and what was right in front of her. She relayed the news that his body was gone and two disciples came to see for themselves. John looked around the tomb and the Bible says “he believed” (John 20:8). There was nothing hindering his sight; he knew Jesus had risen and he didn’t need to see him for the proof. 

Just like Mary, instead of feeling hopeful for what God could and would do for my mother-in-law, I let fear and panic cloud my mind. I’m not saying that if I had immediately remembered the full power of God's healing over my mother-in-law that the road to her healing would have been smooth. Finding hope in God’s promises can overshadow the feeling of grief and provide peace during the storm. 

I encourage you today to root yourself in God’s word and remember the hope that is waiting for you when you remember the promise He has given us. Take time to pray today for God to lift what is blinding you, to release the blindfold tied over your eyes and to look for the hope of what He can and has done for you. Pray for God to guide you through the grief and fear that grips you and to fill you with the peace that only He can give you. 

Memory Verse: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” - 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV)

About the Author

My name is Brittany Marlow. I have been married to my husband, Justin, for 6 years. We live in Georgia and have two of the sweetest baby girls. I love spending time with family and friends at the lake, enjoying a big bowl of popcorn at the movies and working out. I have grown exponentially while being a part of this community. I believe it’s so important to walk through life with others. I am passionate about growing in my faith and helping other women do the same.