Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:11–12
If you will believe, God can turn your darkest valley into a doorway of great hope!
Think about it. If you had everything you wanted, if there were no challenges in your life, if you didn't have any questions about why things are the way they are, and if you didn't feel there was something for you to accomplish that is bigger than your abilities; what would you have to hope for?
Nothing, of course. You would already have everything.
We know that's not the way the world works - but sometimes we act and feel as though that's exactly what we believe. We seem surprised by problems and challenges.
We live in a fallen world with fallen people. That accounts for so many of the trials we face. But beyond that, God wants us to live in reliance on Him.
For that reason, He doesn't grant our every wish and give us everything our heart desires exactly when we want it. He wants us to grow in the ways that really matter - patience, kindness, self-control, and other fruits of the spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23 for a list).
Final Thought
Don't have everything you want right now? Well, that gives you something to hope for!
Prayer
Father, as I work and wait for various blessings in my life, help me to grow in character and maturity. In Jesus Name, Amen.