Hope Against Hope

After our weekly swimming lessons we usually pick up pizza for the children. I can hear them debating between themselves “I want extra cheese’’ says my youngest, “I’m having extra pepperoni says my middle son. I smiled to myself while glancing at my husband who was driving the car. As we drove towards the house instead of going to the pizza store, they fell silent and I can hear the music CD playing in the car for a change. I took a quick peek at them as if I’m unaware of the change in the car: They looked sad with arms across their chest. I thought to myself; they assume by us not stopping for pizza to mean no pizza today. My husband and I played along enjoying the music and the drive home.

As we arrived home with our 3 gloomy looking children, I quickly made my way straight to the freezer and proudly presented the large pizza I’d purchased a few days back.

Their eyes got wider and the chatter returned. ‘’Mom got the pizza, and we are having pizza after all’’ they told each other. 

This got me thinking; just because God had done it one way in the past doesn’t mean He will do it the same way again. His ways are past searching and GOD IS NOT SHORT OF IDEAS!

Hope is not needed when there is hope, hope is needed when there is no hope. ~ Tolulope Ilesanmi

You may be in that season where it seems God has forgotten about you and all your efforts seems effortless. You may be struggling with many emotions: confused, afraid and anxious, because nothing is working out as planned.

In our desperation we sometimes look at other people blessings, asking God to do the same in our lives. God knows excatly what we need, but He’ll use our problems to show us what we don’t need.   

Can we let go of our preconceived ideas and plans? Can we trust Him even when we don’t feel like it? Are we so in love with our own agenda than His plans for us? These are some of the questions I’ve been asking myself also.

Whatever happens, I want God’s way more than mine. And as I type these words I am not 100% there yet, but that is my heart’s desire and my feelings will just have to catch up.

We cannot have the boldness of Esther if we are not willing to lay our lives down for others. God will never use us like Daniel if we are not willing to be set apart and honor Him above all else.

Our plans are mediocre compared to what GOD has in store for us. Even when our plans fail, God’s plan will never fail.

In the meanwhile, don’t overthink it, things are not as they appear to be. This is not the time to cast away your confidence. This is the time to hope against hope.

Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. Hebrews 10:35-36

The distance to your blessing is a short drive away, be expectant and never put God in a box.