How do we hold on to hope when the miracle we’re praying for never comes?
I’ve walked through devastating news and deep losses. I’ve had seasons of bold faith where I prayed with unshakable confidence for incredible miracles—and other seasons where I wasn’t even sure what I believed anymore. But through it all, one thing has been unchanging: the Lord is faithful. He is kind. And He is never rattled by my doubts or my wrestling.
You’ve probably seen the phrase printed on mugs or posted online: “If not, He is still good.” It’s beautiful and true—but when you’re in the deep, with waves of difficulty crashing over you, it can be hard to believe those words. Have you ever been there? Maybe you’re there right now.
When my own heart feels heavy and my hope feels fragile, these are three practices that help me keep my head above water:
Walk in the Light
I’ve learned not to hide my struggles in the shadows. I take them straight to Jesus—every honest thought, fear, and doubt. Then I find a safe person I can process with, someone who will remind me of truth and help me carry the weight. When I bring my secrets into the light, they lose their power. The enemy can’t taunt me with shame or fear once I’ve exposed the roots of my doubt and let the light and love of Christ, and others, in.
“If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another…” – 1 John 1:7
Remember His Faithfulness
When I’m tempted to forget God’s goodness, I pause and remember. I think back to personal moments where I’ve seen His hand in my life. I recall Bible verses and the testimonies of friends whose stories bear witness to His faithfulness. Sometimes I’ll listen to worship music since it helps me sing about and dwell upon His character. Remembering is not just nostalgia—it’s a spiritual discipline that strengthens my hope.
“I will remember the deeds of the LORD… I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.” – Psalm 77:11–12
Dwell on Truth
Our minds can quickly spiral toward fear, but we have a choice in where we allow our thoughts to settle. I meditate on promises like Psalm 34:18 or Isaiah 43:2, and one verse in particular has become an anchor for me:
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” – Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)
When my heart wants to fixate on the problem, this verse calls me back to the Prince of Peace. His peace isn’t something the world can give or take away—it’s a deep, steady knowing that no matter what comes, He is constant and faithful. And nothing I face will be outside His presence or His care.
Having walked through heartbreaking seasons, I’ve learned this perfect peace is often most precious when nothing in life feels perfect. And my prayer is that you would know it too.
So, if the prayer isn’t answered the way we hoped—if not, is He still good?
Yes. Always.
I will keep praying and believing for a miracle until He does it—or until He doesn’t. And even there—even when my heart feels shattered—I know the One who makes all things new, who comforts like no other.
May you know Him. May you trust Him. And may you allow Him to hold you, too.
About the Author:
Amy Eaton writes from a deep well of having walked through many heavy seasons. She acknowledges the wrestle and reality of holding seemingly conflicting truths with a grace and tenacious hope that is contagious. She deeply loves Jesus, her family, the Church, and her community. She lives on a mini-farm in Southeast Tennessee where she loves to spend time outside with her furry and feathered friends. Amy’s background in local church ministry, psychology, and corporate human resource work uniquely equip her to write and speak to the whole person (spiritually, emotionally, and mentally) as an overflow of the Lord’s kindness in her life to carry her through so much. Learn more of her story and connect with Amy at amyeatonauthor.com.
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