Abounding in Hope by Samantha Miku
I am so honored to introduce you to my InstaSis, Samantha Miku today! Samantha and I connected via IG and have grew into great friends. Her heart for the Lord is shared through her gift of art, wisdom in writing, and through her everyday obedience to share the love of Jesus in simple, practical ways!
Her faith encourages me, her prayers of intercession strengthen me and I am so honored to get to share her incredible words here with you today!
Hope. A simple enough word. But for such a small word it is one that can stir up feelings of inspiration – or disgust.
For those who have faith enough to believe in a God of hope, hope is simply a trust-worthy promise yet fulfilled. But for those who have seen their hopes dashed, or have never had the opportunity to hope, it is a word that can be shunned and despised.
Hope, in my opinion, is sadly misunderstood. When some people think of hope, they think of unanswered prayers or stagnancy. On the contrary, hope is never still. Hope cannot deny itself. Hope cannot be “hopeless.” If one can be brave enough to hope, it signifies a shift in one’s mindset. It triggers a decision to move and to take action. Hope is not hope unless it moves ever closer to the promise that is waiting.
I’m not saying it’s always easy to hope. When hope isn’t answered right away, it can become very difficult to want to continue. When hope is delayed, it can also become very tiresome.
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.”
In this scripture “deferred” comes from the Hebrew word mashak. Mashak has multiple definitions which include:
to draw (and lift out), drag along, lead along, drag or lead off, draw down
to draw (the bow)
to proceed, march
to draw out or give (a sound)
to draw out, prolong, continue
to trail (seed in sowing)
to cheer, draw, attract, gratify
Note that the first definition of deferred/mashak is to “drag along.”
Imagine a person who has spent years and years praying and hoping for a promise given to them that is yet to be fulfilled. They have dragged along their hopes beside them, crying all the while, unknowingly creating rows from the heavy burdens…
…rows perfect for sowing seeds.
Definition number 6 for the word deferred/mashak: “to trail, seed in sowing.”
You see, when we hope in the Lord, our hope is never in vain. With every tear that falls, it’s water for the promise that is coming. There is no shame in hope even when it is hope accompanied with tears. Because it is those very tears that are watering the promises given to us.
“Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him”
No matter how hopeless things seem, if God gave you a promise, dare to hope.
Dare to believe!
When you’re stretched to the limit because of hope deferred, liken yourself to the bow in the 2nd definition for mashak. You are being stretched for a reason – for release. And if we can imagine that our promise is the arrow – the stretching of our character and our hope is not in vain. Our hope has a purpose. And for an appointed time of release.
We don’t have to feel hopeless any longer. Not when we put our trust in Jesus, our hope. When we rest in Him, we can live each day with peace and with joy – looking forward to and awaiting the promises we are believing for. We can live a life abounding in hope!
Scripture References
Habakkuk 2:2-3 NKJV
“Then the LORD answered me and said: “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.”
I Timothy 1:1 NKJV
“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope,”
Psalms 33:20-22 NKJV
“Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, Because we have trusted in His holy name. Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, Just as we hope in You.”
Romans 15:13 NKJV
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Are you experiencing heartsickness due to hope deferment, please reach out to schedule a free coaching call with me!
Join the conversation in the comments below
Can you share a #GloryStory about how God fulfilled His promises to you? Someone may need a dose of hope and your testimony could be the shot they need!