Stay Hopeful

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31, ESV)

Jack thought he would never be happy again after his wife of 40 years died in a car accident. But four months later, he met and married Teresa. His adult children were furious. They wanted to know how he could possibly fall in love with someone else that soon if he really loved their mother.

Teresa didn’t know if Jack’s family would ever accept her. She did her best to be respectful to their mother’s house and property. She pursued a peaceful relationship with his youngest son who still lived at home. But those first few years of marriage were difficult, especially on holidays when Teresa and Jack were surrounded by people still grieving all these changes.

Twenty-five years later, Teresa reflects on those days and remembers the precarious position she was in. “But you know, I’m blessed,” she said. “They did eventually accept me, and now they love me and treat me like family.”

Right now, it may look like chaos in your blended family. There may be hurt feelings, rejection, or any number of difficult circumstances. But none of this is beyond hope.

Life has a way of bringing unexpected change, bringing people together. Sometimes a grown child may get married and have a baby, and that’s enough to make them miss a parent and want to come home. Sometimes a person has a change of heart. Maybe they were once hostile to faith, and something happens to open their eyes.

Maybe it’s going to take repentance or forgiveness on your part or your spouse’s part. We adults often hurt kids unknowingly, and these grievances can go unaddressed for years. It’s never too late to admit mistakes and take responsibility.

Whatever the case, as long as there is breath in our lungs, God can bring about reconciliation. We just have to make sure our hearts are ready to accept healing at any moment. Keep removing the remnants of anger, bitterness, and blame. Don’t let a heart of resentment steal your hope.

Until then, we can pray. We can light a candle of hope in our hearts. And we can hold on to the Lord of Heaven who promises to work all things together for the good of those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

The peaceful loving family may not happen this year, or even ten years from now, but as long as we’re alive, it’s possible.

Application: Make a list of all the ways God has worked out plans that appeared impossible. Start with stories in the Bible and add circumstances from your own life.