“Although it may get walloped and slammed against, hope is the antidote to despair, and it’s the only way to live through prolonged seasons of waiting without losing our faith or our sanity.”- Ann Swindell
“Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”- Romans 5:1-2
In Chapter 10 (“Hope for the Waiting Ones”), the concluding chapter of Still Waiting, Ann Swindell underscores that Jesus called the Bleeding Woman daughter. Always intentional in what He says and does, Jesus didn’t use the term daughter loosely. Thus, He spoke identity to the Bleeding Woman.
But more than giving her a miraculous healing, Jesus gave her restoration. He sent her out in peace — peace with God, with her people, and with herself. As a result, Ann believes, the Bleeding Woman filled with astonishing hope.
And that’s the beauty and blessing of restoration. Ann states restoration brings hope that:
- the future can and will be better than what we’ve known
- what’s ahead is better than what’s behind
- stands in the midst of trial, in the midst of pain, and in the midst of struggle
Furthermore, Ms. Swindell states, one truth allows us to be a people of hope in our waiting:
“Jesus has restored us to himself, to others, and to ourselves. And when the King of kings restores us — soul, body, and life — we are given hope, not only for this life, but for all eternity.”
Yet, as the author discusses next, our restoration to others and to ourselves continues to unfold. And that’s where things get muddy – but never hopeless.
Today’s question: How does hope work as the antidote to despair in your life? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Hope – founded in Christ
