“When life is heavy and hard to take, Go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don’t ask questions: Wait for hope to appear.”

~Lamentations 3:27-28

At our Summer Hope4Hollywood Ladies Tea: Stories of Hope, Ayanna Anene shared how God brought hope during her move to LA. “During my last year of college in Philadelphia, I became close friends with a fellow student who had recently given her life to God. Her shining example of a life set ablaze for God left a major impact on my life and influenced my decision to recommit my life into His hands shortly before my college graduation. I began to boldly pray about what would happen after college asking God to close every door that was not for me, and open the door to His best.

After applying to over 50 jobs, I was rejected by nearly every one! Then, one day, my brother sent an email for a position in Southern California. Living on the West Coast was not included in the roadmap for my life, I thought.  As it would happen, I was asked to interview for the California-based position and within a few short weeks, I received a job offer!

I decided to trust that God heard my original prayer, closed many doors and opened only this one. I thought to myself, this is either totally God, or I totally missed it. I trusted that even if I somehow misread the situation, He would be there to take care of me.

As I prepared to uproot my life and move across the country, something in me sensed that I was entering a new chapter. However, I had no idea that I was entering one of the greatest seasons of trials in my life. My first few weeks and months of living in LA were challenging as I was physically distant from friends and family members. That coupled with being in a foreign environment and having limited transportation launched me into a season of deep loneliness and depression.

In the midst of this dark season, a favorite passage in Lamentations encouraged me to patiently “wait for hope to appear.” As I waited for hope, I started to see signs of hope all around me. I like to call these signs “God’s winks.” These winks affirmed that I was not alone. Some of God’s winks came in the form of vivid dreams filled with His promises that had not yet come to fruition in my life.  Other “winks”that assured me of God’s presence  came in the form of street signs where I lived. Residing on “Providencia Street” and “Victory Blvd” reminded me of His divine providence and that I could always find victory in Him.

Seven years later, I realize that my story does not have a tidy bow of finality or a “happily ever after” ending. Each day I must intentionally slow down and fully appreciate the tokens of hope that God sends my way. There are days when I don’t feel hopeful or joyful but at those times I strive to appreciate the many “winks” and reminders of His presence. Through it all, I am learning to wait for hope. “

Where in your life do you need hope?

How will you look for God’s “winks” this week?