Sharing Hope

 I don’t really want to write about this experience. Perhaps because it’s too fresh, but mostly for fear of what others might think. But I received two strong confirmations that I needed to write it down, so here goes…My husband was selected for a promotion last week. One that we had long since closed the door on any hope of it happening, and we had moved on. To be honest, occasionally a moment of regret, or bitterness would raise its ugly head, but for the most part, the Holy Spirit gave us both a sincere desire to move forward, continuing to invest in Kingdom work, and to trust Him in His sovereignty. And we really were okay with him being passed over, 3 times, only because we truly trusted Him more than we trusted the military.Needless to say, Mike was totally blindsided when he was called in to a “meeting” last week with his boss, and while they were talking, the boss got a phone call from the general, who, in turn, asked to speak to Mike. He still had no clue.The Air Force doesn’t promote after 3 pass overs. But, apparently, God does.We all walked around in a daze for the rest of the week. Every once in a while, we would look at each other and say, “did that really happen?” And Mike would remind himself, and me, that yes, it must have happened because that day he got a phone call from Chaplain So & So, to congratulate him on his selection. A few mornings I woke up and wondered if it was all a dream. Mike would confirm that it was true. (Or at least he was pretty sure.)One of the first concerns Mike had as he was telling our kids was that of the many people who were hoping to see their names on the list, and didn’t. This is one of the areas where we can truly say, “we know exactly how you feel”.We’ve been there.  Three times. It is devastating. Heartbreaking. Not fair. Mike is an incredible chaplain. Ask anyone he’s ever worked with. Since being passed over, he’s served for two years in an 0-6 position. Yet, he’s never worn the rank. And we were okay with that. Again, we trusted that God would continue to use him/us and it wouldn’t be contingent on what rank he wore. It would depend on whether or not we trusted Him.When we decided this news was real, I was hesitant to tell people. I didn’t want it to appear that we were boasting. We have dear friends who are in the middle of digesting the same devastating news we received the past 3 years.  I wanted to protect their hearts. And we have friends who have been there, as well, and walked through it with us, and have moved on.We know that two of the ways God speaks is through the Bible and His people. And this is the reason I’m sharing our story.As I listened to one of my sweet friends, whose husband was also passed over, (and they’ve since retired) she told me that our story reminded her so much of the story of Lazarus.  Jesus could have healed him in a more timely manner. But the fact that He waited four days made Lazarus’ resurrection and healing all the more miraculous. There was no doubt it was truly an act that only God could have orchestrated.And she told me our story needed to be shared because this kind of work of God gives others hope. Hope that God is still working, that He hasn’t forgotten, that He cares, and that His timing is best.Whether you’ve been passed over for a promotion or in another area of life, hold on to Hope.My friend is waiting for God to perform a miracle in a family member’s life. And our story has given her Hope.When we share what God has done, He receives the glory and honor. And others receive much needed Hope.The next morning, as I was still pondering our conversation and still hesitant to share, my Bible reading for the day took me to Psalm 96.3 which says, Publish His glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things He does.And immediately following that, it led me to John 11, the story of Lazarus.And so, I write. And my sole purpose for writing is to bring Hope. For whatever you are waiting and believing God for. Whether it’s new and fresh or something you’ve been holding out for a very long time.Keep your focus on what He’s called you to do. Praise Him and seek Him while you wait. Hold on to Hope. Don’t let go. And whether your situation is realized here on earth or not, the outcome is secondary. Trusting Him, no matter what, is what really counts.