hOpe
Freedom comes when I surrender my dreams and my ability to make them come true. In the middle of my going-ons , I set out trying to make God's will happen in my life on my own...which as it just so happens is never the right idea. Something I'm joyfully learning day by day. Joyce Meyer, says, "Frustration is a sign I am acting independently. The more you try your own way, the tighter the doors will stay closed." But what does God, expect me to do when he isn't changing any of my circumstances and things only seem to be getting harder each day? Ages ago on the recommendation of a friend I started to read about a Biblical man named Job. Job was a man purer than any man on earth, yet God allowed Satan to kill his children, steal his wealth and even his own health. Job had plenty of reasons to curse God and be done with his miserable life. He had every reason to believe that his purpose in life was worthless-to throw in the towel like even his best friends encouraged him to do.
Yet Job's steady response to the frustration and pain in his life was, "Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him (Job 13:15)
Job gave up his right to have a happy life. He surrendered what he thought his life could be or should be and allowed God to do whatever He wanted with him. He handed over his dreams, his misplaced hopes in people, circumstances and the last bit of his faith over to God. In the end God restored to him three times what had been taken from him. The story of Job is a beautiful one, and one that even to this day touches my heart. Never have I read pain written in such a detailed and heart-breaking manner. But Job's story reminds me of my own paths in life. Pain, frustration and the almost seeming go-no where road that life seems to take turns at. It's at those moments I'm reminded of my false hopes in people, circumstances and everything else. God is not my self-serving Genie, here to make sure my life goes as smooth as possible. He is a holy and just God, one that at times let's us go through the fire to be purified but we're always better for the wear.
Chip Engram, once said' God wants us to hope but to take our Hope Off. Off of materials and lay them down on the promise that God has for us. In that we truly are free. Free of anger, frustrations and the deep hurt that sometimes life can throw at us. I can't think of a better advice then that. Stop Hoping ON, and Hope off. If there is Hope have it placed in that whatever will happen will happen and know that God is in control. Even when we really don't see it. He is still there.
Yet Job's steady response to the frustration and pain in his life was, "Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him (Job 13:15)
Job gave up his right to have a happy life. He surrendered what he thought his life could be or should be and allowed God to do whatever He wanted with him. He handed over his dreams, his misplaced hopes in people, circumstances and the last bit of his faith over to God. In the end God restored to him three times what had been taken from him. The story of Job is a beautiful one, and one that even to this day touches my heart. Never have I read pain written in such a detailed and heart-breaking manner. But Job's story reminds me of my own paths in life. Pain, frustration and the almost seeming go-no where road that life seems to take turns at. It's at those moments I'm reminded of my false hopes in people, circumstances and everything else. God is not my self-serving Genie, here to make sure my life goes as smooth as possible. He is a holy and just God, one that at times let's us go through the fire to be purified but we're always better for the wear.
Chip Engram, once said' God wants us to hope but to take our Hope Off. Off of materials and lay them down on the promise that God has for us. In that we truly are free. Free of anger, frustrations and the deep hurt that sometimes life can throw at us. I can't think of a better advice then that. Stop Hoping ON, and Hope off. If there is Hope have it placed in that whatever will happen will happen and know that God is in control. Even when we really don't see it. He is still there.