Finding hope in times of discouragement

"Return to the stronghold (of security and prosperity), you prisoner of hope."

- Zechariah 9:12 (AMP)

A week ago, a friend of mine asked me to write my next column on hope. She recently lost her husband and is going through some tough times, struggling to get her life in order. She has expressed, "At times, it's hard to stay hopeful."

Do you need a boost of encouragement today? Is there a trial that is threatening your perspective to remain hopeful? Has the money run out? Your home been repossessed? Your marriage become dysfunctional and the children out of control? Are you finding your job skills are outdated? In those tough places, it can be difficult to stay encouraged.

I listen to encouraging stories to stay hopeful. I recently heard one about a man named Steven Lavaggi. He was an artist with a promising future. He was young, hardworking and lived a normal life with a wife and child.

Then, one day, his wife unexpectedly left him for another man. He was abandoned to raise his child alone. Besides that, a short time later, his child was diagnosed with diabetes and needed special care. After that he lost his business and his life looked hopeless. In the midst of his troubles, he gave his life to God.

While seeking God's plan for his life, he started creating angel sculptures. A set of his angels sold on the auction block and was given as a gift to Nelson Mandela. He became known as an artist of hope.

I relate to hopeless circumstances. I was housebound with an illness for eight years. It turned my family life and career upside down.

I wondered when and how I would ever get well or be able to go outside of my home. Many times I felt hopeless.

By divine inspiration, I started writing. I focused on modalities for reducing my stress. I read positive Scriptures on hope and healing each day.

Then answers came and I've been out of my home for six years. I still have some health challenges, but remain hopeful to overcome them.

Whatever your circumstances, I encourage you to stay locked up in hope.

Listen to encouraging stories that turn life's disappointments into triumphs - and turn your disappointments into triumphs, too.

• Annettee Budzban is an author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at Annetteebudzban@aol.com or call (847) 543-8413.