What does it REALLY mean to have faith and hope? I'm writing this from a very fresh and raw point of view as that is what my family is directly walking in. Last Friday my husband got an unexpected call informing him that he, along with 15 other employees are laid off effective immediately! So just three weeks before Christmas my husband has no job. My faith and hope has been challenged. Here is my thinking: When Derek and I got the news, we weren't devastated, we actually had excitement stir in both our hearts. However when Monday hit, so did reality,as we were trying to stretch our budget, and Derek calling the labor board, EI, and sending out resumes, my faith and hope started to deteriorate. Before Derek got laid off, we had been making plans for our future, and part of that was the idea of me going back to school and getting training for a Dental Assistant. I was finally feeling that we were moving forward, and getting on our feet. I was having feelings of hope and exhileration, which was so refreshing, as I haven't had those feelings since the financial devestation we have been walking through for the last two and a half years. I had a sense of purpose that I hadn't felt for a very long time. And just in a split moment, everything changed. I was truly looking at what was going on around me, and I lost focus as to WHO really is in control. I believe in a BIG God. I believe that He can do far more than even I can expect Him to do. I believe that HE is my provider, and that He knows exactly what He is doing, and what is best for our family. Derek and I believe that this next step will be a step up, an advancement, a promotion.
During this time I am challenged to still have a giving and generous heart, and obey that voice that tells me to give without hesitation.
I don't have all the answers and sometimes I wish that God would just give me my 5 ,10,20 year plan, but then where would there be any room for faith and hope to blossom. During these hard times this is when my character is challenged and revealed.
Please stay tuned as I'm excited and have full anticipation and big expectations for the next season in our lives!
