It has been a while, too long actually, since I was able to join you Loft Link-Up bloggers. My word for 2016 is “LESS” and part of the less I am lessening involves less social media. I don’t include blogging as part of the less! Bloggers are writers, special folks, and I am proud to be one of y’all. The word HOPE resonated with me this morning, and I really wanted to share the reason for my HOPE! And I dearly love my friend and women’s ministry partner, Leah Adams!
Proverbs 13:12
Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.
Years ago I attended a Women of Faith event in Atlanta, GA and I heard Thelma Wells speak. Her theme was HOPE. She said something that has stayed with me all these years. Her statement was “GIRL, YOU BETTER GET YOUR HOPES UP!” This is the opposite of what we usually hear…don’t get your hopes up. The big difference is location, location, location! Where do you place your hope! Taken from the old hymn THE SOLID ROCK, I can confidently say “my hope is built on nothing less that Jesus’ blood and righteousness.”
About seven years ago our family went through a season where our hope was deferred over and over again. It involved my oldest son and his wife in their heartfelt desire to become parents. After several years of infertility, they had decided to adopt a child and within weeks discovered they would be the parents of triplets, two boys and a girl. After several months and the discovery of a scam, all hope was deferred. But within one day, ONE DAY, my daughter-in-law discovered she was pregnant. You can read the story on my blog at the link below.
The Tree of Life from the second part of Proverbs 13:12 is found in the three beautiful children my son and his wife now have, from three healthy, wonderful pregnancies. And yes, they have two boys and a girl. HOPE FULFILLED by the power of God and answered prayers. So my friends I want to encourage you today. Get your hopes UP – but keep your hope in HIM. The only One who can bring that peace, that Tree of Life, that dream to you. 
HOPE HAS A NAME! Jesus.
My Hope is in Him,
Jan
Don’t you love how “hope deferred” is really the best hope and joy of all? His ways are so much higher!!! Thanks for sharing part of your family’s story. Blessings to you and yours!
Amen – His ways are higher and best and perfect. I can take you to the spot where I prayed and cried out to God to give my son and daughter-in-law a child. He blessed exceedingly abundantly above what we could have asked or thought (Ephesians 3:20). We are so thankful. The day my name became GranJan will forever be a precious memory to me! Thank you for stopping by and taking time to comment.
Oh my word…..what an amazing lesson on hope. I did not know the specifics of your son and daughter-in-love’s pregnancy story. Isn’t that just like God to replace with something better what they had originally hoped for? God is amazing like that. So glad you joined us today, my friend. Your presence at The Loft is a huge blessing to me. Love you to pieces!
Leah – you are always a HUGE blessing to me and I’m thankful to have a part in The Loft. It tickles me because that’s my husband’s favorite quote to our choir – “see you in the loft!” Of course, he is referring to the choir loft. Something special about LOFTS! 🙂 Thanks again for all you do!
Jan, loved reading your post. Great quote from The Solid Rock: “my hope is built on nothing less that Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” So true!
Barbara – It truly is one of my favorite hymns. I also love the line “my anchor holds within the veil.” This is another great verse of a hymn full of rich truths from the Word of God:
When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
Thank you for stopping by Gran Jan’s JOY and taking time to leave a comment!
Jan, what an encouraging post. I’m so glad your “less” is not saying no to us. We love you input. My favorite thing about the loft is our discussion. I’ve gotten to know you and what a treasure you are. Hope deferred…in the end our Lord always wins. Tears last only a night – His love lasts a lifetime! You encourage me. Thank you. Blessings, Your Chris
Chris- Thank you so much! Your encouragement in this comment has been a blessing to my heart. I hope to have more time to be a part of The Loft. I sincerely appreciate Leah and her efforts. She is the “Energizer Leah!” Thankful God allowed our paths to cross years ago.
Thank you again!
Jan