Hope in the Midst of Change

2 Corinthians 4:8–10 — New Living Translation (NLT)

8 We are pressed on every side by troubles but not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 10 Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.

2 Corinthians 4:8–10 — New Century Version (NCV)

8 We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We do not know what to do, but we do not give up the hope of living. 9 We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed. 10 We carry the death of Jesus in our own bodies so that the life of Jesus can also be seen in our bodies.

 

November is a unique month. It marks National Career Development Month, a time to reflect on our professional paths, set meaningful goals, and take intentional steps toward the future. For some, it’s a season of renewed ambition, while for others, it stirs questions about purpose, direction, or next steps. 

November also reflects the rhythms of life—hope and heartache intertwined. In the U.S., it often brings the culmination of election cycles, which can leave people celebrating progress or wrestling with frustration and division. Simultaneously, Thanksgiving reminds us to express gratitude, even as some feel the sting of grief from loved ones no longer here to celebrate. 

These verses beautifully capture the reality of life. They acknowledge the external pressures we face—being pressed, perplexed, and struck down—while also pointing us to the inner strength found in Jesus. Our hope is not tied to our circumstances, and our trials don’t have the final word. Instead, they remind us to seek the One who holds all things together. 

As we reflect on this scripture, we see that God doesn’t promise a life free of difficulty. Instead, He promises His presence and power in the midst of it. When we feel hard-pressed, His Spirit sustains us so we are not crushed. When we are perplexed by life’s unanswered questions, He offers wisdom and peace so we don’t fall into despair. 

Think about your career. You may be at a crossroads, wondering if your work is making an impact or struggling with limiting beliefs of procrastination, overwhelm or even perfectionism. God sees these moments. Instead of striving for worldly recognition, He invites us to root our work in His purposes, trusting that He is the ultimate guide for our professional journey. 

In family life, you may be navigating loss or strained relationships that feel overwhelming. God meets us in those spaces, reminding us that though we experience hurt, we are never abandoned. His presence is a constant comfort, even when circumstances feel heavy. 

And as we consider the state of our nation or the world, the temptation to despair may grow stronger. Yet God calls us to desperation—a holy yearning to lean into Him as the source of true hope. When we surrender our worries, He transforms our perspective and gives us the courage to press on. 

Our trials, though painful, serve a greater purpose. God often uses seasons of suffering to refine us, stripping away anything outside His will so that Christ’s life can be seen more clearly in us. This doesn’t mean the pain disappears, but it becomes a tool for growth. Through these experiences, we can testify to His sustaining grace, offering hope to those who feel overwhelmed by their own challenges. 

 

The life of Jesus within us shines brightest in our moments of surrender. When we let go of control and trust Him, He reveals His power to work all things together for good. This is the hope we carry—not just for ourselves, but for others who witness our faith in action. 

 

Reflection Questions 

  • Career Growth: What steps can you take this month to align your career with God’s plans for your life? Are you seeking His guidance as you set goals and make decisions? 

  • Gratitude Amid Grief: Who or what are you most grateful for this season? How can you invite God’s comfort into spaces where grief feels overwhelming? 

  • Surrender and Refinement: Are there areas in your life—career, relationships, or personal struggles—that God is calling you to surrender? How might this act of letting go create space for Jesus’ life to shine through you? 

  • Trusting God’s Timing: How can you turn unanswered questions or uncertainties into opportunities to deepen your trust in God’s wisdom and timing? 

Action Steps Journal Your Journey: Take time this month to reflect on your career and personal life. Write down areas where you see God working and places where you need His guidance.  The CROWNED Life Prayer Journal allows you to see yourself in scripture and helps you track God’s faithfulness with the prayer request and answer feature.

Closing Prayer 

Lord, thank You for being our anchor amid life’s uncertainties. Whether we face challenges in our careers, families, or within our nation, You remain our constant source of hope. Help us to trust You with unanswered questions, knowing that You see the bigger picture. Refine us through difficulties, and let the life of Jesus be evident in us so that others may be drawn to Your love and grace. Give us the courage to persevere and gratitude to see Your blessings even in hard times. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

TEdra Knox