According to the latest Gallup study – a large-scale, ongoing survey that tracks public opinion and well-being across the globe – the greatest need people express today is hope.

Hope is the bridge between present and future. People often feel anxious when they worry about what lies ahead. But hope gives us a different perspective.

As Zechariah says in his book “Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.” We need to be ‘prisoners of hope’ by trusting in the Lord and His power, despite the difficulties and challenges we see across Europe. The topic of hope remains deeply relevant and vital in our countries and communities.

But how can we remain hopeful when the context in Europe is full of uncertainty, change, and high pressure?

I would like to conclude with some strategies that can be observed in the behavior of Nehemiah, who showed true resilience under pressure and adversity.

Weep and Mourn When Needed!

“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.” — Nehemiah 1:4

There are moments in our lives when all we can do is cry, pray, fast, and ask the God of heaven to resolve the problem or crisis we are facing. Sometimes we are called to intercede for our people or our nation. At other times, we need to confess sins and weep, as Nehemiah did on behalf of the Israelites. Nehemiah also reminded God of the covenant He had made with them.

Our success under pressure depends on our awesome God, who can grant us favor even in the presence of kings. Tears are not a weakness—especially when they flow from the right intentions. There are situations where we feel helpless, and in those moments, weeping and mourning can be, and often are, an important first step before we act.

Pray in the critical moments!

“The king said to me, ‘What is it you want?’ Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king.” — Nehemiah 2:4

We often prefer acting and doing over pausing. Especially when we are under pressure. It might have seemed awkward that Nehemiah did not answer the king immediately—but he did the right thing, and we need to learn from him. In the critical moments of life, we need God’s wisdom, and that requires pausing—yes, even embracing silence.

How many of us—including me—prefer to be like Martha, a true “doer,” busy doing everything for Jesus? And yet, how difficult it is for us to be silent, even for just a couple of minutes, to truly hear the word of God? In 2025, life moves so fast that there seems to be no time for pauses or prayer. But if we want to remain hopeful, we must learn the art of silence and stillness, moving only in the direction God wants us to go.

Nehemiah was a successful man in a high position, and he was probably very wise. But even he prayed first, asking God what to say. We too must seek God’s glorious plan and follow what He desires—not simply what we feel or think is good.

Act When the Time has Come!

“If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.” — Nehemiah 2:5

To fulfill God’s plans, we need courage. Nehemiah was brave enough to ask the king for permission to rebuild Jerusalem. What a bold man! I pray that both you and I will be brave and courageous when we know the time has come to go, to act, and to do.

There comes a moment when the season of prayer must give way to action—when it’s time to move forward. I’m amazed that after 140 years of ruin, Nehemiah arrived, took leadership of the rebuilding, and the work was accomplished (in 52 days). It was God’s perfect timing, and Nehemiah recognized when to act and when to seek the king’s help.

I encourage you to pray and ask: Are there areas in your mission or in your life where it is time to take action now?

Don’t Answer the Mockers!

“Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side, said, ‘What they are building—even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!’” — Nehemiah 4:3

When we face opposition, our sense of justice rises up, and we often feel the urge to respond and defend ourselves. Nehemiah did not do this. He stayed focused on rebuilding the wall and did not waste his energy responding to Tobiah and Sanballat.

When we work under pressure, we need a clear vision, and we should not be distracted by those who try to set us back or mock us. Nehemiah did not even go to meet with them, simply because he had no time for unnecessary meetings. In the text, we see that after each attack came a prayer from Nehemiah—he poured out the sorrow of his heart to God alone.

There are situations where we must be firm and, once again, remain silent, refusing to engage with mockers. Our energy should go into the work, keeping our eyes fixed on the goal. Especially if you are a leader, it is vital to set an example for your team or organization by staying focused and not being drawn into petty disputes.

Rejoice! — The joy of the Lord is your strength

“Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your stronghold.’” — Nehemiah 8:10

As children of God, we always have hope under pressure because we can find joy in the Lord—even when our problems are not yet resolved. The joy of the Lord is like a stronghold, a fortress where we can take refuge in times of change and pressure.

For me, this means turning on worship music and praising God, or gathering with my church family to worship together, letting the joy of the Holy Spirit refresh my soul. This joy gives me the strength to actively wait for the Lord.

Of course, there is joy at the end of the journey—just as Nehemiah and his people celebrated with a feast after completing the wall. But even before everything we are praying for comes to pass, we can carry a constant stream of joy in our hearts. Hope fuels our joy, and joy strengthens our faith in God.

We Christians should be the most hopeful people in the world. Let us pray for the hope that Europe needs now more than ever, and apply Nehemiah’s strategies so we can remain hopeful under pressure.

Viktoria Kulcsar (PhD)

Hungary

Hope for Europe Women in Leadership team member