The young couple searched for their first house. But each fixer-upper they looked at produced disappointment. Either their offer was not accepted or the ‘fixing’ was beyond their ability. Finally, the wife lamented, “We’re never going to find a house!”

Grief and giving up come naturally, and quickly.

The chiropractor’s patient headed out to the desk after her regular adjustment. “Do you think my back will stay in place this time?” she quipped to the doctor.

“After all these years, you know that answer,” replied Doc.

But this patient hung on to hope. Perhaps someday, it would happen, Lord willing. She was not about to give up, at least not yet.

Besides, Romans 15:13 was a scripture she had planted in her mind. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

We decide what is flowing in our mind. Fear or faith? Negativity or hope?

Now, I’m not saying that we should never feel disappointed or sad. What I am saying is we determine how long we’re going to replay that pain and despair in our mind. And for goodness’ sake, we need not be anxious and worry over something that has not even happened!

Sure, God’s timing is typically not ours. So, what do we do in the waiting? Instead of giving up on hope, let’s give in to God’s will and God’s timing. Trust that He is in control and He knows best.

Memorize the following verse and add your name after the word ‘you’, as if God is addressing you face-to-face. “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded” (2 Chronicles 15:7).