“But even if the gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose mind the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the glory of the gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.” 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

Glimmers of Hope

 Several years ago a dear friend of mine who had walked with the Lord several years, had a major crisis and refused to believe anymore. I don’t know exactly the status of her salvation (that’s up to the Lord) but our fellowship was gone. She had been hurt, then hardened her heart and chose not to believe. When she told me this, I was dumbfounded. She had caught me off guard and I didn’t quite know how to respond except that God is the same yesterday, today and always, and still loves her the way He always has.

She’s been closed off for several years now. We still keep in touch and meet up from time to time. She normally glazes over whenever I talk about the Lord even though I haven’t changed from who I am and share Jesus’s love whenever possible. Most of the time it’s without words, but I try to be consistent even though there seems to be a distance between us. I’ve never stopped praying for her and asking the Lord to draw her back to Himself.

I’ve seen glimmers of hope over time, but especially in recent days with all the confusion going on in our world with the pandemic, protests and politics. She’s asked questions about what Christians think the answer is. Of course, I say, “Jesus!”—trusting the Lord for guidance and wisdom to make it through with a right heart one day at a time. I can see her heart softening and allowing the truth she once walked in to touch her heart. Only the Holy Spirit can do this. I’m praising God and praying for her to return.

I’ve seen other good things coming from this weird time. I love being outside, and worshiping, and hearing the Word on the LCC lawn every Sunday! My husband, who works out of town a lot, has worked from home doing webinars part of the time. There are more family blessings this has brought and it has caused friends who didn’t know Jesus to ask questions and seek truth. God uses all things for good to bring about those glimmers of hope.

These are frustrating and hard times, but God has also used this to draw me in and deepen my relationship with Him. I need Him more than ever. I praise Him too, for the wisdom and closeness He gives when we cling to Him.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye” (Psalm 32:8).

 Dear Lord, thank You for our hope in You. Thank You for meeting us and answering our prayers. We pray for our wayward family and friends—use this time to draw them to Yourself and remove the veil of separation, that they would embrace Your truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.