Finding Hope in the Midst of Injustice and Uncertainty

Read: Psalm 13:1-5; Romans 8:28; Hebrews 11:1

Finding Hope in the Midst of Injustice and Uncertainty

Life is full of seasons of uncertainty, and sometimes, it seems that injustice prevails despite our faithfulness to God. It’s difficult to reconcile these moments with our belief in a just and loving God. How do we continue to trust Him when life seems unfair? When we face situations that test the very foundations of our faith, we are called to find hope in God’s unchanging character, even in the darkest of circumstances.

The Weight of Unjust Suffering

Consider the story of a close friend who was unjustly imprisoned for 15 years, accused and convicted of a crime he did not commit. He was taken from his wife and children, robbed of the prime years of his life, and forced to live in the shadow of an injustice that seems almost unbearable. Despite his eventual release, his life remains in limbo as he awaits a new trial. The prosecution, perhaps driven more by a desire to save face than by a pursuit of truth, insists on his guilt without evidence. His future remains uncertain, his life paused by the heavy hand of injustice.

Similarly, I have other friends who fled Ukraine after Russia’s invasion in 2020. These were individuals who had built their lives, careers, and communities—lawyers, teachers, businessmen, students. In a moment, their lives were uprooted. They left behind everything familiar, including family and friends, to seek refuge in foreign lands. Imagine the pain of leaving behind your home, your identity, and the people you love, not knowing if or when you’ll return. These stories of disruption and uncertainty are all too common in our world, where life is often paused by forces beyond our control.

The Struggle of Health Crises

Another friend of mine, a woman of remarkable strength, has faced a different kind of trial, one that has left her grappling with physical and emotional trauma. Over the past year, her life has been marked by a series of health crises that seem relentless. It began with a ski accident after she blacked out while skiing, leading to significant injuries and a long road to recovery. But this was just the beginning. Soon after, she was involved in a motorcycle accident, compounding her physical injuries and adding to her emotional burden.

As if these accidents weren’t enough, she has since been plagued by various other health issues, each one seemingly more challenging than the last. The emotional toll of these experiences has been immense, leaving her not only to deal with physical pain but also with the psychological scars that accompany such traumatic events. Her life, too, feels as though it is on pause—caught in a cycle of suffering and uncertainty, with no clear end in sight.

Wrestling with Injustice and Unfairness

In the face of such profound injustice and unfairness, it’s natural to ask, “Where is God?” The Bible doesn’t shy away from the reality of suffering and injustice. The Psalms are filled with cries of anguish from those who feel abandoned by God in their suffering. Psalm 13:1-2 captures this sentiment: “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?”

Yet, even in their raw honesty, the Psalms also express a deep trust in God’s sovereignty. The psalmist’s cry of despair often turns to an affirmation of faith: “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation” (Psalm 13:5). This tension between despair and trust is the essence of living by faith in a world marred by sin and injustice.

The Biblical Perspective on Suffering

The Apostle Paul, who himself suffered greatly for the sake of the Gospel, offers a perspective that is both challenging and comforting. In Romans 8:28, he writes, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This verse is not a simplistic dismissal of suffering but a profound declaration of faith in God’s ability to redeem even the worst circumstances.

Paul himself was no stranger to injustice. He was imprisoned, beaten, and persecuted, yet he remained steadfast in his trust in God’s ultimate plan. Paul understood that while we may not always see the purpose in our suffering, we can trust that God is at work, bringing about His good purposes in ways that we cannot fully comprehend.

Trusting God in Uncertainty

In his book The Problem of Pain, C.S. Lewis addresses the challenge of trusting God in the face of suffering and injustice. He writes, “We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.” Lewis acknowledges the reality that God’s ways are often beyond our understanding, but he also reminds us that God’s ultimate goal is not our immediate comfort but our eternal good.

Similarly, A.W. Tozer, in The Knowledge of the Holy, emphasizes the importance of trusting in God’s character, especially when we cannot understand His actions. He writes, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” If we believe that God is good, just, and sovereign, we can find peace even when life feels unjust and uncertain.

Holding On to Hope

In times of deep uncertainty, like those faced by my friend awaiting a new trial, by the refugees who have lost everything, or by my friend grappling with relentless health challenges, the call is to hold on to hope. This hope is not a vague wish that things will get better, but a confident expectation rooted in the character of God. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

John Eldredge, in his book All Things New, speaks to the hope we have in the ultimate restoration of all things. He reminds us that the injustices and sufferings of this world are not the end of the story. There is a day coming when God will set all things right, wipe away every tear, and make all things new. Until that day, we are called to live in the tension of the now and the not yet, trusting that God is at work, even when we cannot see it.

Conclusion: Finding Rest in God’s Sovereignty

The stories of unjust suffering, the uncertainty faced by those in impossible situations, and the relentless physical and emotional challenges endured by others remind us of the fragility of life in a fallen world. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to trust in God’s sovereignty, even when life seems unfair. The challenge is great, but so is the promise of God’s presence and His ultimate justice.

As we journey through seasons of uncertainty and injustice, may we find strength in the truth of God’s Word, the encouragement of those who have gone before us, and the hope of the day when all things will be made new. In the meantime, let us hold fast to our faith, trusting that God is with us in the midst of the storm, and that His purposes, though often mysterious, are always good.

Scripture References:

• Psalm 13:1-5
• Romans 8:28
• Hebrews 11:1

Recommended Reading:

• The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis
• The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer
• All Things New by John Eldredge