Realistic Hope?

 

Chris and I were having conversation over the weekend about our upcoming court date.  We are so hopeful that things will move forward on this date and we will know for sure the next steps with the child that has been referred to us.  The problem is REALITY.  The reality is, if we look at those that have gone before us we should be prepared to have our court date cancelled several times.  How does one remain in hope, but not get very disappointed when reality happens?  Is there such a thing as realistically hopeful?  That is where we feel we are at.  We HOPE for great things and that God has big plans to make things happen, we are REALISTIC that we may have to deal with a court date that doesn’t happen …. And then we look at expectations.  We hope, with an expectation that things likely won’t happen the way we want.  But then is that even hope? 

 

What it reminds us is that this all comes down to FAITH.  I think sometimes as Christians we throw these words around and don’t really think about what they mean.  When we made the decision to adopt Kylie we choose her middle name to be Faith … we knew our journey to her was directly related to our Faith in Christ and following God’s leading.  The verse we picked for her when we dedicated her was from Hebrews 11:1 -3 & 6 … “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  This is what the ancients were commended for.  By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible … And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”

 

So … our HOPE ultimately comes from our FAITH.  Without FAITH, we cannot truly HOPE!  We can be sure of what we hope for in this situation and we have faith that God is in control of it and knows all of the details that we cannot see.  So, maybe it is realistic hope … but really it is FAITH that allows the HOPE to exist!  Please continue to pray with us for March 19^th …. Please pray that God would move on behalf of this sweet orphan in Ghana who needs a forever family, and please pray that God would allow our family to be that family for her.  The picture I chose for this post reminds me of joyful faith and hope ... our fundraiser day that was so filled with hope and faith and those that love us.  Thank you so much for your love and support … we are honored that you are following our journey and appreciate your prayers so much!