I have begun thinking lately that God is increasing hope in me for certain things. For instance, we've been wanting to sell this mobile home we live in for forever. We've had many interested lookers over the last few years, but most did not have the credit to buy it or what not. Which stinks, because we really would like a back yard where our little ones can run and play and we don't have to worry about them getting out in the road and such. Plus it's kind of tight quarters these days. So we can't look for that house until we sell this place. I just took the attitude with Kelly, "Don't get your hopes up", any time someone inquired about the place. Besides, I figured why would I want a house payment when I wasn't saving any money right now to begin with? How could I even afford more per month? I have always known I should be content with what I have, so I have tried to be, and for the most part have been. This is different now though. I have begun to believe that a different house is something my Father wants us to have. As a result-and I am still thankful for this place- I have begun to get my hopes up. Why? Because I believe God wants something different for us. It's not just the house. I wouldn't be against remaining in this mobile home even on a different piece of property, where the opportunity for the kids to play would be better. But I am not sure the move would be good on the structure, which isn't too sturdy to start with.
Why was I ever afraid to get my hopes up before? Maybe I thought to do so would show I was a discontented, unthankful grumbler about what God had given me. Or I didn't want to be disappointed, or look foolish if I told someone I was believing God for a new home and it didn't happen. But (and I don't mean to take this out of context), my Bible says hope does not make ashamed, or dissapoint. While I know this mainly applies to the Gospel, I believe it also applies to this life, because he is not the God of the dead but of the living. And he loves me as much now as he will in heaven. If the day comes he wants us all to pick up and go live in a tent, I will be perfectly fine with that, too. It is all to do with his will, be it a house, trailer, or tent. We want to talk about being content with little, because that seems more pious. But PAUL (you know the Apostle?) said he learned to be content with little as well as with MUCH. He wasn't afraid of a season of material blessing corrupting him. He knew he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him. And yes, that's the context of that verse. He knew how to do with little, and he knew how to abound. His main hope was not in this world, be it wealth or poverty. He was free of all labels and his citizenship was in heaven. In fact, he said if in this life only he had hope, he was of all men most miserable.
All that to say, in all things (including a yard for my kids!), I'm gettting my hopes up!
