Faith and Hope

How funny is it that when God calls us, he is quiet and still and waits for us to recognize His voice. I think about Samuel in the temple, hearing God call his name and not knowing that it was God who is actually calling him. He keeps going back to the priest asking what it is that the priest wanted. After several times the light clicked on and Samuel finally figured out that it was God that was calling him.



That is so often what happens, and then even when we do finally figure that it was God's voice that was calling, we continue to doubt that we heard Him right or that He will follow through on what He has promised.



Recently we have heard a call from God. It started out slowly and without a clear direction. Then slowly and almost suddenly it started to take shape. Now we are at the point where we see what God is doing, but need to have faith. God has made it clear that we are moving. He has brought all things together and has even given me hope for future ministry. Now it is in my hands to have faith and sit back and allow God to work. That is the hard part. We have hope in Christ for our future.

Romans 8:28 28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Jeremiah 29:11 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.

These are promises from God. In this time of waiting on God it is more important than ever to remember these promises. I daily am trying to remember what God tells me. I try to remember in Matthew that Jesus commands us to stop worrying and allow God to be in control. As a recovering control freak, this is a difficult task. I have to continually lay down my concerns at the feet of God. Every morning, noon, night I am in prayer that God will help me to let things go and that His will would be done.

It is a very hard thing to keep faith and keep hope. But if we open our eyes, there are constant reminders of His diligence and love. Throughout this journey He has given me what I needed to keep my faith strong. No more, no less. He gives what we need. It has been difficult, but drawn me closer- which is His ultimate desire!