What to Do When Your Hope Dies

by Rick Warren — April 22, 2023
From Created to Dream

“Abraham, when hope was dead within him, went on hoping in faith . . . He relied on the word of God.”

Romans 4:18 (PHILLIPS)

How do you know when hope has died in your life? You start using the word “never.” I’m never going to get married. I’m never going to graduate. I’m never going to get well. I’m never going to get out of debt. I’m never going to be able to let go of my past and forget all of that shame and heartache. I’m never going to be able to change. I’m never going to see this situation turn around. That’s when hope has died—when you have reached a dead end and don’t see a way out.

What do you do when your hope dies? Romans 4:18 says, “Abraham, when hope was dead within him, went on hoping in faith . . . He relied on the word of God” (PHILLIPS).

When you are at a dead end—when it’s hard to hold on to hope—you need the Bible. Read it. Study it. Memorize it. Think about it. Write it down on little notecards and take them wherever you go. 

The Bible is full of promises, and nothing else can encourage you like it can. When you rely on the Word and trust in its promises, it will revive you emotionally. You won’t panic because you’ll be reminded that, even though something is out of your control, it’s not out of God’s control.

A dead end is a test of your faith. The Bible says in Hebrews 11:17, “While God was testing him, Abraham still trusted in God and his promises, and so he offered up his son Isaac” (TLB). When God said he wanted Abraham to sacrifice his son, Abraham didn’t blink an eye. He didn’t panic—because he remembered what God could do. He relied on what God had promised him. 

Sometimes, like it did for Abraham, it looks like God wants you to give up your most precious dream. Can you offer that to him in faith, trusting in God’s deliverance?

Maybe you’re at a dead end now, and it seems there is no way out. Hear this: Things are never as bleak as they seem. If you see no way out, it’s because you’re looking from a human viewpoint, not God’s. 

Romans 4:20 says, “Abraham never doubted. He believed God, for his faith and trust grew ever stronger, and he praised God for this blessing even before it happened” (TLB).

A promise is only as good as the character of the person who makes the promise. The Bible says God cannot lie because he is complete truth. If he makes a promise to you, he’s going to fulfill it. It will happen exactly as he has said. When you’re at your dead end, trust in God’s truth. 

Talk It Over

  • Even if you’re not at a dead end right now, how can you use God’s Word to prepare yourself for this phase of faith?
  • What promises from God encourage you when you are at a dead end?
  • How do you think God will respond to someone who turns to his Word when facing a dead end?

What is your choice about Jesus?

God proved his goodness through his Son, Jesus Christ. The Bible says, “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 CSB).

Are you ready to trust God to fulfill his promise of eternal life? If so, start by praying this simple prayer: “Dear God, I believe Jesus Christ is your Son. I confess I have sinned, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus died to take away my sins and that you raised him to life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow him as Lord from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

If you just prayed to accept Jesus, please email me at [email protected] and let me know about it. I’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus.


Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.