Hope is what sustains us in all things. The definition of hope is a feeling of expectation and desire for a particular thing to happen. When we put our hope in anything but God we will always come up short. Placing our hope in Him means only goodness for our lives. This is why we must seek Him. We must seek Him not only in our times of need but also in our times of ease. Our hope should always be with Him in order for His goodness to cover our lives. We are able to do this best when we take life slowly. One step at a time. Otherwise, we are bound to be overwhelmed. The world simply throws too much at us at once. Learning through the hard times will keep us firmly planted in seeking Him. Our youth hopefully taught us that learning is best done one thing at a time.
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young.
Lamentations 3:25-27 NIV
Waiting patiently is His perfect design for us. His ways are not the ways of the world. Instant gratification cannot teach us what waiting does. Getting familiar with a slower pace is how we can lean into all He has to teach us. We have so much to learn. He has given us the incredible example of a farmer to learn from and remind us of how the flow of our lives will be. In order to receive anything of value there is a waiting period or a time to slow down and let our work grow. We can be steady and find strength in the time of waiting and slower pace. This is the time He has designed for us to become prepared for what our work will yield. This is time to have our hearts and minds made ready for what will be required when the harvest comes. There is a purpose to every season. The world has just conditioned us to pay most attention to the harvest season and relinquish value in the waiting season. Let’s regain our strength and place focus where He directs it.
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
James 5:7-8 NIV
Considerations for your planner:
- Where do you place your hope? Write it down and trace back its sustainment.
- Is it hard for you to wait patiently? Write down why and see if that is the very lesson God is trying to teach you.
A Story of Hope in the Waiting:
I had been praying for my marriage faithfully. When my husband finally left for another woman I became angry with God. I felt He answered the prayers of others, but not for me. I withdrew from God. I was full of anger for more than a year. I kept wondering why He didn't answer my prayers.
Then one day God spoke to me and said, "I love you Margaret and I heard your cries. I wanted to give you what you asked for but I could not. You see Margaret I gave everyone free will. For me to answer your prayer would make me a liar. I would have to take away your husband's free will and force your will on him. Now if he wants this marriage too I can heal the hurt. I can make this marriage strong; however, he has to want it too. It's his right to choose. I gave that right to everyone. Margaret, I've been here with you watching over you, protecting you, loving you."
It was then I knew God had not forgotten me. He did love me. He was for me. God is faithful, and His word is true.
- Margaret Slaughter
Strengthen the Christian Planner Family by sharing your experiences. We'd love to hear a story about God's work in your life. Use the form linked below to submit your story.
