Hope Through Hard Times

Faith

I Am the Good Shepherd

Do you know what your name means? Have you researched it?

Did you know that the name Rachel means, Ewe – a female sheep?

Growing up, I used to say that name was fitting for me because I was as stubborn as a sheep. Determination and endurance to see what I wanted to come true were strong traits. Recently, the meaning of the name has changed for me. Instead of seeing myself as stubborn, the picture has tenderly changed to a little sheep yearning to follow her Shepherd.

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Guest Writers

Is God Always Good?

On October 18, 2022, I was reading Psalm 119:65 to 68, and the beginning of verse 68 jumped off the page at me: “You are good and do only good…” Psalm 119:68 (NLT)

My first reaction was “Yes, I agree you are good, God. Goodness is your nature and who you are.” The second phrase “and do only good” is what I questioned in my heart and mind. From my way of thinking, many of the things that happen to people are not good and I don’t see good necessarily coming from them. So how can the writer say God does only good?

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Faith

I Am the Gate of the Sheepfold

When you were growing up, did you ever try to block your sibling from coming in a room? You stood behind the door, feet planted, trying desperately to hold him off as he pushed from the other side? It was difficult!

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Finances

Calling Out Fear

Hypothetically speaking, let’s put our Hope Through Hard Times’ community together in a room. I’m going to ask you to raise your hand if you have a fear of finances.

How many do you think would do it? A few? Half of the room? The entire room?

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Faith

I Am the Light of the World

“I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

This is a beautiful verse on its own. It brings joy and peace to your heart. You might assume that the light Jesus said here is the glory of God. I know I’ve thought that. I picture His light to be blinding, like that of the sun. But could it mean something else as well?

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Infertility

Infertility and Sex

As someone working through infertility, I’m guessing you’re dreading Valentine’s Day. You’re tired of having to muster up your romantic side when the infertility’s stolen almost every ounce you had. You might like to get dressed up and go on a date but you’re praying it ends when you return home; anything to avoid “the bedroom…”

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