Comforting Words: "All Hope Is Gone"

The terrible storm raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone. [Acts 27.20]

Every time I read this I find myself intrigued with these words, "...until at last all hope was gone."

The strange thing is, I find comfort in these words!

When all hope is gone, then all toil is gone too. As long as we have hope, we have a tendency to toil over any given situation. When all hope is gone, worry is no longer a problem. When all hope is gone, struggling is of no use.

Struggling, toil and worry are not bad things to lose!

Now, I know that 1 Corinthians 13 speaks of faith, hope and love, but here today I find perhaps one of the reasons that "hope" is not "the greatest" according to that scripture.

Likewise, for many of us, faith is just as laden with struggling, toil and worry as hope. I know it shouldn't be (because real faith does not worry), but if we get just real honest with ourselves and each other, faith remains an "effort" doesn't it?

So, are hope and faith of no use? Absolutely not! However, when both seem to be past the point of no return, love will carry us through. Love is greater than faith and hope. Actually, faith and hope are not useless, its just that they only find their usefulness in love. Nothing can affect true, genuine love.

Ironically, God is not said to be "faith." God is not said to be "hope." But, God is said to be "love."

Hmm, I don't really know how to process all this except to say that I believe I should focus on my love for God and man. Faith and hope will be strengthened through this effort.

So, when "all hope is gone" is a good time to rest in pure, uncomplicated love - knowing God is enough.

Father, I don't really know if I have rightly divided Your Word today, but, I do find peace in stopping all my struggling and just resting in Your love. The funny thing is, I find that it builds faith and hope!