Daily Delight

Hope.I’ve been sensing a change on the horizon – one that my heart is looking toward with joy. I’m waiting on the Lord's intricate timing to fulfill the promises that He’s spoken over my life. In the waiting, though, I’ve noticed how patient faith can be so hard. More than anything, I desire to play a part for Him, but I often get caught up in how impossible this seems. The world whispers, “There’s safety in what you can physically see. Follow the rules of society. Any other road is wrong and irresponsible.” So I find myself in a battle, struggling to hold on to the dreams that the Father has placed in my heart.In our culture, we are taught not to hope for what’s unseen. When I pursued the root of this attitude in my own life, I noticed that fear is a huge contributor. I’m afraid of disappointment.I’m afraid of what others will think of me.I’m afraid that God’s timing will be different from mine.When these fears surface, I want to withdraw my hope to protect myself. I’ll feel a tug at the corners of my mind that says, “Pull back. If you don’t expect anything good to happen, you won’t get hurt later by the reality check.”However, God’s Word says differently:

“….But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not have, we wait for it patiently….What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will He not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”-Romans 8: 24–25, 31–32 (NIV)

God loves us so much that He gave everything—His only Son—to redeem us from our own sin. Everything He does is for our good!Will I really choose to hold back my hope simply because I can’t see what’s ahead? No, I refuse to let the disillusionment of fear govern my faith. I choose to boldly wear my hope on my sleeve. I can’t wait to see what the Lord does with it. 

About the Author

Sierra Okoniewski

Sierra is a spunky, 22-year-old Michigander who is saved by Jesus Christ every single day. A college student with a culinary degree under her belt, she loves to whip up pies and brunch for hungry friends...sometimes in that order.

Sierra lives in Romeo, Michigan with her parents, three sweet siblings, and their spazzy Australian Shepherd puppy, Pepper. Her calling is to write about the work that The Father is doing in her heart while she grows as His daughter.

You can often find Sierra karaoke-dancing in the kitchen, lavender latte in hand. If she's not there, she's probably out backpacking...but she promises to return shortly, armed with bear hugs and big-mountain stories.