Rejoicing in Hope

Hope is a constant.  Hope is what gets us through the days when we would rather run screaming in the night.  Even when all is lost, hope remains.

Photo courtesy of Amy's Third Place

Yesterday I wore about Faith and it's quintessential role in being a lady so that you have a true north.  We must have a true north in our faith in order to be able to have hope.

"And having different gifts, according to the grace that is given us, either prophecy, to be used according to the rule of faith; Or ministry, in ministering; or he that teacheth, in doctrine; He that exhorteth, in exhorting; he that giveth, with simplicity; he that ruleth, with carefulness; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Hating that which is evil, cleaving to that which is good. Loving one another with the charity of brotherhood, with honour preventing one another. In carefulness not slothful. In spirit fervent. Serving the Lord. Rejoicing in hope. Patient in tribulation. Instant in prayer. Communicating to the necessities of the saints. Pursuing hospitality. Bless them that persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep." (Romans 12:3-15 - bold verse is 12)

This verse to me is all about hope.  Following the will of God and His divine message for our lives is not the easy path, but it is the right one.  That we will use our gifts for His glory and His divine Will.

To give with simplicity, without fanfare or accolades.
To rule our homes carefully and purposefully.
To show mercy with cheer. 
To love in quiet ways.
To despise that which comes from evil and is evil.
To cling desperately to the things which are good.
To love with charity.
To avoid sloth.
To keep the spirit lively.
To serve God.
To rejoice in hope.
To be patient when things are not going our way.
To have prayer be our FIRST gut instinct.
To be the good hostess, even when we don't feel like it.
To bless and pray for those who wish us harm.
To rejoice with those who rejoice.
To weep with those who weep.

Hope is where we go with Faith.  A hope for Heaven, a hope for peace, a longing for the things that come from God rather than the things that come from man.

Where do you sit on hope?  Do you rejoice in it?  Even in tribulation?  Do you have the moral fortitude to say, "Not my will but His Divine Will be done?" and then actually mean it?  Can you hope in His plans even when they are not your own?