*Hope*

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. - 2 Corinthians 12:9

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. - Romans 8:26-27

What do these two verses do for my life? They show me that especially in my weakest times God is still working powerfully through and in me. I see that even when I don't have any words to pray, the Spirit pleads to the Lord for me. I know that even when I don't know what I need, or what is wrong in my life, he will work according to his will and purpose for my life. I can rest easy at night knowing that I can give up and throw my hands in the air, and God is still there working. He doesn't allow my inadequacies to stop his plan. He doesn't allow my selfishness, my pride, my fear, my age, my gender, my circumstances, nothing will hinder his plan for my life.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

My prayer tonight is that despite everything else in the world that tries to pull me away, shove me down, put out my fire, would not succeed. But that I would remain faithful in my hope in the Lord.

"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