I’ve been searching for a job for a long time now. Searching and praying and waiting… and waiting. I’ve questioned God in frustration many a time, not understanding why some good job opportunities passed me by. I’ve struggled with self-doubt and disappointments and rejections. But through it all, I still held on to this promise: “‘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.’” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)
Have you had to wait a long time for something? It takes a certain strength to not give up or give in. There’s just a certain peace that falls over you when you know that God is in control of your future. There’s an incredible trust in knowing that He is going to work all things for good.
The Lord is aware of everything going on in our lives. Our coming and going. Our worries and fears. Our longings and desires. It’s a beautiful thing when we can take our concerns to God in prayer. Sometimes, we need to pray for patience in our seasons of waiting. God delights in those prayers too because we are showing our trust in Him and His perfect timing.
And God does, indeed, have perfect timing. You know that kind of day when you can tangibly feel the Lord’s presence? Well, I had one of those days not long ago when I was interviewing for a job. The interview went wonderfully, and I had many people praying for me. I could feel God’s peace and presence in all of the questions I was asked. You can imagine my delight when I heard back that I had gotten the job! I was thrilled! God had been waiting to bless me with just the right job for this season of my life, and I am oh, so grateful.
If you are going through a season of waiting for answered prayer, remember this. The Lord is near. The Lord is listening. The Lord will provide in His timing. Indeed, “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” (Psalm 37:23 NIV)
Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
Psalm 27:14 ESV
Dear Hope,
You have such an amazing way of using your life as an example of how trusting Him through the rejections and disappointments is just as important as during the times of joy and celebration! The Lord is at work in every season. Thank you for being so willing to share so openly about your struggles so that others can hold on to hope in their times of disappointment and heartache.
Congratulations on your God-appointed new job!
Oh my precious Hope, I choose to “take courage and wait for my Lord “. I have seen God at work in every detail of my life. He certainly has directed my steps over the years. I shall wait and trust in the plan He has for me. Thank you Hope for encouraging my ❤️. I am blessed.
Namesake. Parents motives vary when it comes to naming their children. Sometimes the chosen name honors a family patriarch or close friend. Sometimes the chosen name pays tribute to an inspirational figure or mentor. Sometimes the name simply sounds good – it rolls off the tongue. For my wife and me, we were thinking of values and legacy when we named our daughters “Hope”and “Joy.” Through God’s grace, the care and guidance of His shepherd son, and the quiet prompting of His abiding spirit, each daughter has lived up to their namesake. “Hope” inspires hope and “Joy” elicits joy.