Trouble to Hope

Tired, weary
Worn and beaten down
Traveled to my homeland
Renewed, revived.
Strangers once
Hearts now entwined.

"I will return her vineyards to her and transform the Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope. She will give herself to me there, as she did long ago when she was young, when I freed her from her captivity in Egypt." Hosea 2:15

In this passage, GOD took Israel to the desert to communicate hope without distractions. GOD loves his children and desires the very best for each of us. He often uses painful experiences to bring about growth and change in our lives.

For me, traveling to South Carolina this past week was the desert. I knew GOD wanted me to go, but deep inside I had many fears. However, GOD always proves Himself faithful.

True to form, I was blindsided by the real reason I was there, until the night before we left to come home. GOD healed my heart while healing the heart of another at the same time.

Over the years, I had prayed, sought God's will, and Godly counsel regarding issues within my family and the lack of relationship between all parties. With so much pain and heart ache it seemed hopeless. In the last few years, I had reached out with cards and letters, but still no response.

As a result of my Grandmother's death some of the family came together for the services. All parties were not present, but many came. During our time together, GOD formed a bond between a few of us only HE could will and accomplish. As a result, GOD turned the "Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope."

Hope abounds in the hearts of a few of us and we pray it will be contagious to others within our family. We pray that each member will reach for the true source of hope, our Heavenly Father.

Living in the "gateway of hope,"

Andrea