True Hope

Have you ever thought something awesome was about to happen-- only to find out it wasn't? I have. Through the ups and downs of life, there is one hope that emerges above and beyond all others: the hope in Christ. Most of us know this intellectually. I can't count the times I've given my homeschooling, my home-searching, my organizational issues to Him, like "please take it, Lord!!!" But it often works its way back into my lap. The mistake I've made is to think the "hope of Christ" means He's going to work out my issues, or at least the top three-- here's hoping. No, this is more wishful thinking. His goal is not to make me some super homeschooling, organizational wizard with a nice house. (Then I'd probably get distracted at how awesome I am.) Nope, the hope of Christ is more stable than that. This means even though I am weak and incapable of being all that I need to be, HE IS ABLE to live through me. Amen, right? Now, what does that mean? If I stop focusing on being super awesome at everything and rather focus on learning from Him, I will do what He's calling me to do in such a way that people around me will see my good works and glorify God. This might mean I never get the house, or my novel published, or my kids into IV league school twelve years from now. That would be misplaced hope. Hoping in Christ--knowing that He is able--begins and ends with trust. His reason is greater than mine. Homeschooling isn't about me or my kids, but about honoring Him and being faithful. I get to be part of his plan, and-- in surrendering my hopes and dreams to Him--I find life, peace, and joy.