Two-minute read.
“Ordinary Angels,” released in 2024, details the inspiring true story of Michelle, a young girl in need of a transplant. Her father, Ed, lost his wife and now faces raising his two girls alone. Mounting medical bills and one problem after another put the family in a valley with no hope.
Until a struggling, alcoholic hairdresser learned of their story in church and made it her mission to help Michelle get the liver she needed. As the story unfolds, faith gets tested, and patience wears thin. In the middle of a road-closing snowstorm, they get the call that Michelle must make it to the hospital within six hours to receive the life-saving procedure. And then a miracle happens that no one expected. Watch the movie to find out what.
Not only did the Lord use imperfect people to perform everyday miracles, but He also provided the family with hope at just the right time. When money had run thin and the bills piled high, an unexpected donation gave them the strength to continue. When alcohol threatened to derail the hairdresser, God intervened. Time and again, at just the right moment, hope appeared, and the family persevered.
Paul’s words to the Romans represent a prayer that believers would experience the fullness of God’s presence as they place their trust in him.
Ed and Michelle found that fullness as they walked through their valley. God never left nor forsook them, and He always provided what they needed when they needed it. The Lord of hope fulfills His promises and gives hope in hopeless situations. Jesus points us beyond our present circumstances to our eternal future with Him.
Hope anchored in Jesus never fails. His unchanging nature gives us a rock to hold onto when the storm winds blow. Deep Biblical joy doesn’t depend on what happens around us, but comes from knowing Christ and trusting His promises. Paul asks God to give us hope that overflows and affects everything around us. Hope’s contagious nature becomes a source of encouragement to family, friends, coworkers, and fellow believers.
Our hope comes from the Holy Spirit; we can’t manufacture it. He reminds us of God’s promises and strengthens our faith. In our suffering, the Spirit comforts us and continually points us to Christ.
Our hope comes from above; we can have confidence in it.
Journal Questions:
- What gives you hope today?
- How does hope affect stress?
- What promise of God encourages you most?
Stressbuster:
Create a list of God’s promises.
