And here’s the kicker: true hope doesn’t come from what you can control. It’s bigger, deeper, and often beyond our understanding. In my experience and belief, it’s a hope that only God can give.

When you’re in the thick of hard times, you must dig deep within your faith. You have to remind yourself there is more hope than despair. Because where you place your focus can either sink you or set you free.

LIFE QUESTIONS: Where are you right now? What are you running from? What are you trying to dig yourself out of?

Believe what God sees in you and cling to His promises and process, ready to face what He assigns with courage.

The K.I.S.S. ~ Find hope in the ashes!

So, what can you actually do to find hope in the ashes?

Here are three practical steps, rooted in scripture, with real-life examples of how they look in action:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11

When everything around you feels broken, fix your eyes on the promises God has made. This means not just skimming over verses but holding on to them like a lifeline. For example, consider Joseph from the Bible—sold into slavery and thrown in prison, yet he didn’t stop believing in God’s presence and purpose for his life. Despite his circumstances, he trusted that God had a plan way beyond his suffering.

In your own life, this might mean writing down promises from Scripture and reading them aloud when despair creeps in. It’s about consciously choosing to believe God’s word over your feelings or the chaos around you.

2. Practice Gratitude in the Midst of Pain

Scripture: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Hope grows when gratitude takes root. This feels almost impossible when you’re surrounded by wreckage, but it’s a radical act of faith. Remember the story of Paul and Silas, who, even while imprisoned and beaten, prayed and sang hymns to God. Their gratitude transformed their despair and eventually led to their breakthrough.

In real life, this could look like starting a gratitude journal, where you jot down even the smallest kindnesses, moments of peace, or signs of God’s care each day. It trains your mind to see sparks of hope rather than just ashes.

3. Take One Step Forward in Obedience

Scripture: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5-6

Hope becomes real when you move—even if it’s just one small step—toward what God is calling you to do. Waiting passively can leave you stuck in despair, but obedience brings movement and momentum. Take the example of Noah. Building an ark when no flood was in sight was a massive act of faith and obedience. Yet, that obedience was directly connected to hope and salvation.

In your life, maybe that step is reaching out for help, taking care of your health, or simply getting through one more day trusting God’s process. Whatever it is, action fueled by faith invites hope to grow stronger.

Hope in the ashes doesn’t deny the pain or the struggles. It acknowledges them fully yet chooses to believe something better is coming. It leans hard on God’s promises, cultivates gratitude, and moves forward in trust. This is the hope that carries us through the darkest nights and brings new dawns.

When you feel like the ashes will be all you ever know, dig deep. Believe what God sees. And watch how hope, quietly but powerfully, rises again.

“Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!“