“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” ~ Isaiah 40:31 (NIV).
What does hope look like to you? If you’ve been through some tough times this past year, hope may not be something easily grasped. Although 2018 wasn’t a tough year for me, it was a year of changes, of new adventures and of making decisions based on God’s plan for my life. Sound exciting? In some ways it was; in other ways, it has left me wondering where God is leading me.
For 13 years, I’d been writing a weekly faith-based column—the same words posted on my blog each week. Writing a Christian column was not part of my post-teaching career plans, better known as retirement. I’d made plans but God had the best one.
Through a series of God moments in 2005, I began writing a weekly column called A Matter of Faith. Each week, since November of that year, I’d sat down at my computer to compose a 500 – 520 word message based on the leading of the Holy Spirit. I’d prayed before putting my fingers on the keyboard, asking God to give me the words to reach the people He wanted me to reach.
Eventually, A Matter of Faith, which started running in two Oklahoma newspapers in 2005, was picked up by 14 other publications over the next few years and an online Christian publication with a worldwide reach. I’ve been humbled by the feedback received from readers all over the world.
In the spring of 2018, I began to struggle with my calling. If you counted the number of weeks I’d sat down at my computer to compose them, the total was over 600. I questioned God about discontinuing what I knew He’d called me to do. The peace I needed didn’t come at that time.
But, this past November, I began struggling again. I’d not missed a week, nor repeated, a single column since the first one ran in that same month in 2005. Even Dear Abby took vacations and reran old columns. Was that what God wanted me to do? It didn’t feel right. I prayed.
When I finally had peace, the peace only He can provide, I wrote my final column. Since then, I’ve patiently waited on God for direction. On the last day of 2018, I prayed for a word from Him. Hope spoke to my spirit. It’s my 2019 word of the year, and I’ve been looking up scriptures to copy into my journal.
I’m not quite sure where He’s leading me, but I’ve no doubt He’ll be using my spiritual gifts for His glory. My hope is in Him.
What about you? Is your hope in the One who rules the world? Trust Him to renew your strength and give you hope.
Wow, Carol. You sure have been faithful to the column over the years. And it seems as if many people received a blessing through you.
I love to reflect on your word, hope. That’s the name of my blog, “Hope is Among Us.” Real hope only comes from Christ. There are false versions around, but they soon fizzle and leave us empty-handed. Jesus is the true hope-giver.
Yes, I never wavered until this year. However, I know God has other plans for my writing. I will still be using it for HIS glory. Without HIS hope, life is meaningless.
Thanks for reading and commenting on my post.
I have been struggling to find hope in Christ since my life changed drastically in 2018. A relationship of four years that should have ended up in my marriage this year (2019) ended. I went to God and he gives me this scripture, As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed him”— Matthew… Read more »
Jessica, You have been through much, including the loss of a dream. But I think God has something special and better in mind for you. I can attest to that. Keep seeking Him in scripture. I would also suggest keeping a spiritual journal where you write to Him what I call a love letter. It has drawn me closer to Him. By putting my fears, thoughts, hopes, and dreams down on paper, it has helped me to “see” in writing what He wants for my life and where He is leading me. Some people hesitate to reveal their inner thoughts… Read more »