Headlines are filled with harsh realities — deepening hunger crises in Africa, ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Sudan, and Ukraine, destructive natural disasters, and rising costs that strain families everywhere. It’s easy to feel weary and wonder if there are still reasons to hope, or where we can find hope in hard times. In moments like these, many of us find ourselves asking the same quiet questions, seeking understanding.

As a global Christian humanitarian organization working in some of the world’s most difficult places, World Vision has spent more than 75 years walking alongside families who choose hope despite hunger, conflict, poverty, and loss. This close, lived proximity gives us unique insight, not to spotlight ourselves, but to speak honestly about Christian faith and resilience, and the small, significant ways people rise again.

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” — Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)  

This verse reminds us that renewal is possible, even when we feel overwhelmed.

As followers of Jesus, we believe our hope doesn’t rise and fall with the news cycle. We trust in a God who restores, renews, and transforms even the most desperate situations and who invites us to join Him through prayer, compassion, and faithful action. When we look closely, we can already see stories of hope and transformation rooted in Christian faith and resilience unfolding around the world. Together, these stories and reflections point to tangible examples of God’s presence at work through His people in 2026 and beyond.

• Real-life stories of hope in hard times
• Bible verses about hope in hard times
• Frequently asked questions about hope

Real-life stories of hope in hard times

Emergency food aid brings hope

As droughts, conflict, and inflation push food insecurity and hunger to alarming levels, families are still finding reasons to hope. Through partnership with the World Food Programme, emergency food and nutrition assistance reached 11.9 million people in 2024, including 7 million children across 33 countries.

Hope grows in these hard places: a child eating her first full meal in days, a family receiving grain that carries them through the season, a community rebuilding food systems strengthened by prayer, compassion, and local leadership.

Clean water creates hope in hard times

Access to clean water transforms everything. In Ghana, 8-year-olds Nahimatu and Salamatu (pictured above) no longer walk long distances to gather water. Thanks to a new borehole, they attend school consistently and dream bigger dreams — a clear example of hope in hard times.

Since 2011, World Vision has helped 37.5 million people gain lasting access to clean water. Today, we are reaching:

• One new person with clean water every 10 seconds
• One new person with a handwashing facility every 10 seconds

This is Christian faith and resilience expressed through action. Together, we can help bring clean water and hope to more communities around the world.

Nutrition support helps families begin again

Children who once struggled to survive are now growing strong and reaching milestones. Through therapeutic nutrition programs, nine in 10 severely malnourished children treated by World Vision recover fully. Over 180,700 children under 5 were treated for acute malnutrition, with more than 86% having recovered completely. Innovations like a low-cost, triple-laser device, co-developed with Magpie Tech, for early detection of malnutrition are also aiding in saving lives. A child gaining weight, a mother exhaling in relief, and a community rejoicing are among the powerful reasons to hope.

Safer births for mothers and babies

Globally, maternal health continues to improve. In 2025, more than 85% of women gave birth with skilled medical assistance, up from 80% just a few years earlier. In 2024 alone, World Vision supported more than 40,600 pregnant and breastfeeding women through targeted nutrition programs. Each safe delivery represents new life, dignity, and hope restored.

Girls leading the way toward a brighter future

In Kenya and Bangladesh, World Vision’s Big Dream to End Child Marriage is empowering girls and women and strengthening families. Since 2023, more than 18,000 girls have been supported through education, mentorship, and protection programs.

Girls like Viola, a 16-year-old from South Sudan are finding their voices and shaping their futures.

By 2030, we aim to reach 660,000 people, including nearly 170,000 girls. Another 1.2 million people are expected to benefit indirectly as communities experience improved social, health, and economic conditions.

These stories of hope and transformation show what’s possible when communities confront harmful traditions with courage and faith.

Children with disabilities overcoming barriers

Every child deserves the chance to learn and thrive. In Senegal, Boubakar, 7, and his 15-year-old sister, Mariama, have grown up facing disabilities and the stigma that often comes with them. Boubakar was born with a physical disability, while untreated fractures from infancy have affected Mariama’s legs. After losing both parents, the children were taken in by their stepmother.

Their lives began to change when World Vision started working in their community. Through awareness and engagement efforts, attitudes shifted.

“The community now has greater consideration for us,” said Mariama. “Children living with disabilities are no longer rejected or hidden away.”

Through World Vision’s child sponsorship program, Boubakar received a wheelchair (pictured above), a turning point for the family. His life changed, as did Mariama’s. “Before, he had to crawl,” Mariama said. “Now he can move freely and play with his friends.”

World Vision has also supported the family with food, livestock, and regular visits, helping restore dignity and resilience during difficult seasons.

Since 2021, sponsorship for children with disabilities has grown 53%, now reaching nearly 20,000 children globally.

Children in crisis find safety and comfort

From conflict in Sudan and Ukraine, and natural disasters in Afghanistan and Jamaica, children face growing risks. In response, World Vision reached more than 35 million people in 65 countries in 2025 with food, water, protection, education, and emergency relief.

During a crisis, safe spaces, compassionate care, and faithful presence offer hope in hard times.

Faith flourishing through Biblical empowerment

Through Biblical Empowered Worldview programs, more than 425,000 people engaged in faith formation in 2024. Yessica, who once worked in a mine as a child, is now a successful coffee farmer and community leader in Honduras.

Her life reflects a powerful truth: when people understand who they are in God, hope becomes unstoppable.

Sponsorship programs supporting dreams

In Ghana, 9-year-old Alberta once feared reading aloud. Through a World Vision child sponsorship-supported reading club, she gained confidence and now dreams of becoming a nurse. In 2025, approximately 2.3 million children were supported through child sponsorship programs worldwide.

Sponsorship opens doors to education, health, spiritual nurture, and long-term hope in hard times.

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Bible verses about hope in hard times

When hope feels fragile, Scripture reminds us of God’s faithfulness, presence, and promises.

Proverbs 4:18 (NIV)

The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining even brighter till the full light of day.

Reflect: Even when the night feels long, this verse reminds us how our hope grows brighter, even after long seasons of darkness.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, … “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Reflect: God promises assure us that our lives are still held by purpose and hope in uncertain times ahead.

Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)

Not only so, but w also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Reflect: Even in difficult seasons can shape us, deepening a kind of hope that endures.

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Reflect: When we are feeling down, God provides renewed strength for heavy hearts facing difficulties.

Psalm 46:1 (NIV)

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Reflect: This verse reminds us that God offers steady presence and protection in times of trouble.

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Reflect: Faith holds on when circumstances feel overwhelming.

1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.

Reflect: God invites us to release fear and worry into His care, knowing we are lovingly held.

Romans 15:4 (NIV)

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

Reflect: We find both strength and encouragement to keep going, even when the road is long.

Psalm 23:4 (NIV)

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Reflect: God’s comforting presence when the path feels frightening and uncertain.

Psalm 73:26 (NIV)

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Reflect: Our hope in God lasts when weakness and weariness take hold.

Psalm 107:9 (NIV)

for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. 

Reflect: God cares for our physical needs, and He provides in times of scarcity.

Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV)

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;  your works are wonderful; I know that full well.”

Reflect: This passage affirms God-given value and dignity over every life.

Romans 15:13 (NIV)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Reflect: We are reminded that our true hope is rooted in God, even when our circumstances seem unclear.

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Frequently asked questions about hope

What are some reasons to hope?

Even in hard times, hope is found in courage, compassion, and everyday acts of faith. In the hardest seasons, there are real reasons to hope. Hope appears in everyday acts of sacrifice — through parents rebuilding after loss, children learning despite adversity, and communities choosing compassion over despair. These moments remind us that darkness never has the final word.

How can we be hopeful in hard times?

Hope in hard times begins and grows through prayer, perspective, and faithful action. Hope doesn’t deny pain; it propels us take the next faithful step forward, trusting God to meet us there.

Why is hope important?

Hope sustains resilience, strengthens faith, and inspires action in difficult seasons.

Hope carries people through adversity. It fuels perseverance, inspires action, and builds resilience when circumstances feel overwhelming.

What are some reasons to hope today?

Even in difficult seasons, there are real reasons to hope. Hope is found in faith in action, resilient communities, and lives being transformed through compassion and care.

How can I find hope in hard times?

Hope in hard times grows through prayer, perspective, connection, and taking small, faithful steps that can help restore perspective and strength. It doesn’t deny pain but helps people take the next step forward with trust in God.

Why is hope important in the Christian faith?

Christian hope is rooted in God’s promises, not circumstances, offering assurance that restoration is always possible. Hope sustains resilience and perseverance in the face of hardship.

Where do I turn when I need hope today?

• Prayer and reflection: Connect with God through prayer and Scripture
• Community and church: Walk alongside others in faith
• Giving and volunteering: Support programs that transform lives
• Sponsorship: Invest in a child’s future and a family’s hope
• Stories: Let real-life stories of faith and resilience remind you that hope is alive

Even now, there are still real, powerful reasons to hope, and they are unfolding every day through faith, compassion, and love.

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Lalanii Rochelle of World Vision in the U.S. contributed to this article.

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When was the last time you lingered on a single passage of Scripture? In our consumeristic, driven culture, slowing down to savor just a few words for an extended time isn’t the norm, but it’s highly beneficial — especially when the words are God’s. For the next week, we invite you to consider a daily theme from Acts 2:42–47 (ESV) and allow these verses to stir your belief in how actions of God work through His children and strengthen your faith in God.

Day 1: Habit

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. —Acts 2:42

Notice the use of “devoted.” Was the burgeoning church all in for just a cause or a cultural trend? No. They were practicing the cornerstone of the body of Christ: Hearing the preached Word, meeting together, enjoying rhythms of daily meals and communion, and praying. These seemingly simple practices — and others like Sabbath and fasting — have been forming God’s people into His living kingdom for millennia. When we act on the belief that God’s kingdom power can flourish through formative habits, done in trusting and repetitive faith in God, we’ll grow.

Without the formational rhythms of spiritual disciplines, we won’t just happen to become people who live for God, but daily habits can turn us into people who believe in His promises through any circumstance.

REFLECT

Ask God to show you an area of your life that’s being formed more by the world than by His Word. How could a spiritual practice like contemplative prayer or fasting reorient yourself to His truth? Consider inviting a family member or friend to join you in this new discipline — accountability helps!

For kids and families: What’s one habit you could start, either on your own or with your family, that would help you grow closer to God this month?

Day 2: Power

And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. —Acts 2:43

The story of Scripture, from beginning to end, is that God is creating a people for Himself and establishing His kingdom through them. God’s miracles aren’t meant only to display His power — though they always do that — but are also part of His plan to draw people to Himself.

Paul writes in Romans 4:17 that we serve a God who “calls into existence the things that do not exist.” If our Creator is powerful enough to resurrect life when death seems to prevail, can we believe that He’s powerful enough to do “wonders and signs” in situations or places that seem hopeless? A world of change is possible when Christians believe in — and act on — God’s power to do the miraculous. The powerful actions of God, already revealed to us through Scripture, are promises fulfilled.

REFLECT

Ask God if there’s anything holding you back from fully believing in His power to work on your behalf. Are there any places in your life where you need to tell Him, “I believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24, ESV)?

For kids and families: Talk with your family about some of the miracles Jesus performed in His time on earth. Which one stands out to you, and why?

Day 3: Community

And all who believed were together and had all things in common. —Acts 2:44

In contrast to what our individualistic culture tells us, we as God’s people are responsible for each other. We don’t get the option of living the Christian life in a vacuum, and Scripture doesn’t hold up isolated individuals as ideals. Again and again, the Bible emphasizes the body of believers and our shared — though messy — life in community.

What does it look like to have “all things in common” in a culture that not only prizes individualism but also praises dissension and contention? This simple yet difficult verse reminds us that God’s people are meant to share all of life. The parts we disagree on. The parts we’re annoyed by. The parts we’d rather not talk about. This is a radical call to the church in a day when divisiveness is increasingly normal. And it’s a beautiful way for God to display His goodness through His people to the world, demonstrating the strength of God.

REFLECT

Ask God how you can engage even deeper in community with His people. Are there areas you need to press into difficulty or isolation? Are there areas you can celebrate your shared life with God’s people?

For kids and families: Talk about what it means to be part of God’s family with your own family. How do you think the relationships in God’s family are similar or different from the ones in your own family?

Day 4: Generosity

And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. —Acts 2:45

God’s generous gift to us in Jesus is our best motivation for generosity toward others. And the early church comprised at least a few people who had seen the Father’s gift in person! This must be part of what made them such a radically generous group, going as far as selling what they had to provide equally for everyone’s needs. Remember what Jesus told the rich young ruler in Luke 18:22 (ESV)? “Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

That ruler made a choice not to believe that Jesus’ promise of eternal life was better than his many possessions. But in Acts 2, we see the opposite: a group of believers so bought in to Jesus’ promises of His abundant goodness that they care for others’ needs at any cost to themselves. The actions of God through the generosity of His disciples serve as a model for us today,

REFLECT

How does this verse challenge you? Ask God to speak to you about His generosity toward you in Jesus and how that can change your perspective toward giving and people in need.

For kids and families: Talk with your family about the meaning of the word “generosity.” How is sharing related to generosity? How are gifts related to it?

Day 5: Faithfulness

And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. —Acts 2:46-47

Here we see a simple yet profound example of God’s children being attuned to His work in the world. They receive from God and praise Him, and others see this lifestyle as an example worth following. Their lives are a testament to the power of following God in faith.

In many ways, Acts 2:42–47 is a summary of the entire book, which can itself be summarized as the inbreaking of God’s kingdom, first among the Israelites and then throughout the world. It’s a story of God’s people allowing their belief in God’s kingdom to move them to action. When God’s children believe His promises, they begin to act in ways that demonstrate their belief.

REFLECT

What does the steadfast faithfulness of the early church teach you about how God works through His people?

For kids and families: Talk together about why church is an important and special part of being in God’s family. How does participating in church help you live for God in ordinary moments of your days?

Day 6: Transformation

… And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. —Acts 2:47

Have you noticed how these six verses start? Every new sentence in this translation (and other major ones) starts with “and.” This simple transitional word means we must consider each verse in light of the others. Habits and rhythms, the power of God working through belief, God’s people in community, the outworking of generosity, and putting belief into action are all necessary and interdependent elements of how God uses His people to transform the world through His kingdom. Each element reflects acting out love for God in faith.

Believing God’s promises to us always changes us — our very identity shifts when we become His children. It’s part of what motivates us to join God’s mission of salvation and restoration in the world. Leaving belief in the abstract doesn’t advance God’s kingdom or display His power at work in the world. That’s why God asks His people to move their belief from their heads to their hands, and act.

REFLECT

Think about how becoming a child of God has transformed your life. Ask God what you could do to show His life-changing love to others in need of it.

For kids and families: Talk with your family about the connection between being saved by God and being on mission for Him in your life. What’s one thing you could do to live for God?

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How can we be more Christlike — in word and deed — during the 2024 U.S. election? We know a few things for sure: We’re called to love others (John 15:12). We’re called to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2). And we’re called to live in unity (Ephesians 4:3).

In an election year, choosing love feels extra challenging when your environment often pushes you to pick one side and shun the other. How can we keep choosing to love rather than burying our heads under our pillows until November 5?

God sees our frustration and confusion. And He promises that when we lift our voices and thoughts in prayer for our country, He’ll give us guidance and peace.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.—Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

It seems too simple. And sometimes our voices feel too small. But when we pray, we allow God to start growing our capacity to love each other as Jesus does — even people who are the most different from us.

As we approach the 2024 presidential election, we’re humbled that God saw our anger, confusion, and prejudice and still loved us enough to send His Son to be our Savior. That perspective calms our frustration and calls us to prayer.

Our bold decision to kneel at God’s throne when we’re being pulled to one side or the other allows God to change our hearts — and the hearts of people we pray for. This election year, let’s unite in prayer for our country and its leaders, asking God to help us all see each other with His love.

1. Pray for candidates to seek God’s guidance.

More than 8 in 10 members of Congress claim faith in Jesus. But like all of us, they’re susceptible to losing sight of what’s most important to God. Pray that they would seek God first as they seek to serve our country. For those who don’t publicly follow Christ, pray that they would seek wise counsel and be encouraged toward good perspectives and actions by the Christians around them.

Dear Lord, thank You that we have government representatives who believe Your truth. Remind them to seek Your guidance as they make decisions that affect our country and world. Send them godly wisdom and good counselors. And give election candidates the strength to choose integrity in both their campaigns and their terms in office.

2. Pray that candidates (and all of us!) would have listening ears and soft hearts.

Most of us have been guilty of preparing an answer before someone has even finished asking a question. Or we’ve been so concerned with promoting our own agenda that we fail to understand the big picture. During elections we see this even more, in our personal lives and in political campaigns. We all — our leaders included — need the humility to listen first.

Lord Jesus, forgive us for the times we’ve entered a conversation without really listening. Show us how to listen with open and humble hearts, especially to people different from us. Help our leaders to do the same. Teach us as a nation to focus less on getting our way and more on loving our neighbors, especially the most vulnerable among us. Lord, give our leaders and prospective leaders the strength to be humble, soft-hearted, and willing to listen to every voice.

3. Pray for candidates to address poverty and justice issues.

The 2024 election will have lasting effects on issues deeply important to Americans. People with money and power will have an easier time promoting their perspectives, but the election will also affect others without the means to amplify their voices. God’s Word calls us to “uphold the cause of the poor and oppressed” (Psalm 82:3, NIV). We can start by praying that leaders would care about issues affecting the most vulnerable and work to address them.

Father God, we are grateful that You love each of us no matter our status or abilities. Thank You that You walk with children and families struggling against poverty and injustice, calling us to do the same. We ask that candidates running for election would speak out about poverty and listen to the voices of the vulnerable. Give our leaders wisdom to create solutions that empower people living in poverty to survive and thrive. Help us to answer Your call to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with You.

4. Pray for strength and encouragement for our leaders and election candidates.

Public service is exhausting in the best of times. People who hold, or are running for, positions of power expose themselves to high levels of scrutiny. It’s easy to become discouraged and lose sight of what inspired them to run for office in the first place. As Christians, we can encourage our leaders even when we don’t agree with them, and even when we didn’t vote for them. We show Christ’s love when we choose to say a prayer for the leaders of our country — no matter what.

Holy Father, thank You for creating each of us with unique gifts, and for gifting some with leadership abilities to help guide our country. For everyone running for office, whether they win or lose, refresh their spirits and encourage them. Give them the strength to make good decisions both in and out of the public eye. Help them readily give grace — and receive it. Protect their families from sickness, bitterness, and discouragement. May every leader be encouraged by the truth that Your love is always stronger than hate.

5. Pray that our leaders would commit to working together (and that we would too).

God purposely created us with differences and designed us to work together. “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:12, NIV).

We are one nation, but made up of many different parts — so it’s easy to become divided. We hear “us vs. them” rhetoric on TV and in the news. And sometimes we’re guilty of buying into it. But we pray against the idea that we cannot work together. We lift up a prayer for government and we pray that, with God’s grace, we would work as a nation toward unity.

Jesus, thank You for humbling Yourself to walk alongside us as a man. Help our leaders be willing to walk alongside each other, their constituents, and especially the marginalized. Our leaders have different opinions and priorities; give them the wisdom to navigate differences and work together to strengthen our country. Remind us in this election year that You have called Christians to be one body.

6. Pray that we would see each other through Jesus’ eyes.

Imagine how different our lives would be if we loved each other like Jesus loves us. It’s not always easy to love our own family and friends, let alone people who seem to insult us or our beliefs. During the election, we’ll see people default to anger, and we may do the same ourselves. But Jesus’ call to love makes no exceptions for election season.

God, forgive us for the times we’ve failed to treat each other as Your creation. Forgive us for celebrating unloving behavior in our candidates and our leaders. Call our leaders and political candidates to a new level of respect and civility. Remind them that You are sovereign and that the wisest choice we can make is to serve You and serve others. May there be a new movement of collaboration and respect in our nation’s capital and throughout the country. Give Your people the strength to lead by example with radical, world-changing love.

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