Guest Blog by Barbara Hollace
“…But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”
~Romans 8:24-25
We hold on to hope when life is hard and the answers seem elusive. So many people in the world today are facing circumstances that seem impossible. The road is blocked by an obstacle, and you don’t have what it takes to move it. But there is an answer, and it’s found in Jesus.
In my own life, there have been moments when the world was crashing down around me. Married at the age of thirty, I was a widow at thirty-three. My second husband and I were blessed with the opportunity to serve those homeless or living on a limited income. They were rich in life experience but had no big bank account.
However, the most significant test of my faith and my ability to choose hope and joy was during the COVID season. In February 2020, my mom died after a six-year battle with dementia. Two months later, my husband died after a health battle it appeared he was winning. But that wasn’t the end of the story. In July 2020, I was diagnosed with breast cancer – a struggle God said I would win.
Hope remained constant as I waited on the Lord. I couldn’t always see what hope looked like, but one thing is for sure: I never lost hope because Jesus never left my side.
In 2022, I began leading a prayer group with women across the United States and worldwide. One of the members commented on the wisdom in the group. God heard her heart cry, and in 2023, Hope in the Waiting began to take shape.
Twenty-nine authors share a moment in their lives where God brought hope where there seemed to be none. These are life experiences shared with us all. But what stands out is how, despite the wait, long or short, God was faithful.
May you find hope as you wait for your miracle.
HOPE IN THE WAITING
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
Are you weary? Has life knocked you down? There is hope. It’s found in Jesus. He faced battles, too. His ultimate battle was the cross. But Jesus overcame death so we could walk in victory. Through prayer, we fight on our knees and fix our eyes on Jesus, who gives strength to the weary.
Hope in the Waiting is a 40-day devotional that weaves together stories of suffering, surrender, and trust from a diverse group of women. Like a breadcrumb trail, these devotions lead you to the cross. But Golgotha is not our final destination. Jesus is the risen Christ. Come and soar with Him!
Who is Barbara Hollace?
I’m Barbara Hollace, author, editor, writing coach, encourager, speaker, and stealth prayer warrior. As a believer, I know the power of prayer and pursuing the passion God has placed in your heart. In 1985, I self-published my first book. I am the author or contributing author of 27 books and many newspaper articles, and several other books are in development.
My greatest joy is identifying and magnifying the good in business and ministry. Trained as a lawyer and educated in business, I now help other people’s dreams come true as the owner of Hollace Writing Services/Hollace House Publishing.
As co-founder of Be Ready Ministries, I also sow into the lives of others as a board member for the International School of Story and Freedom Has A Face, both non-profit organizations that bring hope.
For more information about me and the places God has called me to serve, visit www.barbarahollace.com.
Join us on the Beacon of Light Podcast on October 15, 2024, at 6:30 pm Mountain time.
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