High Hopes!

“Next time you’re found, with your chin on the ground
There’s a lot to be learned, so look around
Just what makes that little old ant
Think he’ll move that rubber tree plant
Anyone knows an ant, can’t
Move a rubber tree plant”

My hopes haven’t always been high.

I’ve always been a “realist” even as I prayed to God for the miracles I sought. It is only in the past four or five years that I realized I wasn’t setting my “hopes” even remotely high enough.

As I began to see how God was using my son Lan to not only show me what He could do and would do for me, God also taught me to get my hopes up!

One small victory after another made me realize that I didn’t have to have the weight of the world on my shoulders. I somehow managed to let God be God and relax a little and truly trust God for the things I prayed for.

It has been my general experience that God responds to my level of expectation. The things I dare hope and dream for He brings (slowly) to fruition if I hope hard enough and trust that He can and He will.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:1-5 NKJV

 Hope does not disappoint.

I would rather hope for the best and be proven wrong than wallow in misery faithless.

Yes, there are things I will never understand. Yet, I cannot allow life’s disappointments to rob me of God’s peace when I choose to trust in Him.

Lan is asserting his independence more and more. He has “high hopes” for his future. If I tell him something’s not going to happen he just gives me “the look” learned from big brother that basically says I hear you but I’m not listening to a thing you say.

And that’s not always a bad thing.

I believe my past failures to hope as high as God would have me to do stem from listening to people instead of listening to God. If we are so tuned in to the multitude of “nos” coming from the choir, we will never hear God’s whispered “yes.”

Lan has confidence I never had at his age, partly because he had to work extremely hard to meet his goals. He learned far sooner than I ever did to tune out the “no.”

 I’m grateful to have come to a point where I can persevere and hope for God’s best fully aware that His best isn’t always what I want.

Hope does not disappoint.

“But he’s got high hopes, he’s got high hopes
He’s got high apple pie, in the sky hopes
So any time you’re gettin’ low
‘Stead of lettin’ go
Just remember that ant
Oops there goes another rubber tree plant”

 

**Songwriters: J. VAN HEUSEN, S. CAHN  High Hopes lyrics © BARTON MUSIC CORPORATION

By Lilka Finley Raphael

Author, Editor, Gardner, Photographer, Pharmacist

19 comments

  2. “…but when you pray you must believe and not doubt. For the one who doubts should not expect to receive anything…” (James 1). I have struggled as you have, Lilka, when praying for certain things. I am a “realist” and am trying to raise my level of faith and expectations. It must be wonderful to watch Lan accomplish things and learn deeper faith through his example! Thank you for sharing…

    Steve

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Everyday provides a new opportunity for us to learn something. Some lessons are harder than others but nonetheless the wisdom is ours for the taking.
      I came to many points in my life when I thought I’d tried everything only to realize I had not tried God. His word is true. Trust Him. Set it and Forget it and He will reward your faith. B Blessed Steve!

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      1. I like that…”Set it and Forget it…” It is sometimes hard to do. But if we can really give it to God and let Him in on the situation, He will do what’s best for those who love Him. You B blessed yourself, Lilka. May God love and keep you and your family!

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Amen-Amein Sister in Christ Jesus-Yeshua!! God Bless all my Sisters and Brothers in Christ Jesus-Yeshua and Your Families and Friends!!

    Love 💕 Always and Shalom ( Peace ), YSIC \o/

    Kristi Ann

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  4. Very nice blog and post. Love your photographs and scripture references. I remember that song – “Oops There Goes Another Rubber Tree Plant.” Lol Chin up, square those shoulders, and face life head-on – this was always what my Mother told me as I grew up and all through her life. It works for me. I trust in God and not mankind. Love your post.

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  5. Lilka, I forget this, too. Yet when I step out of my frustration and pray, He does answer my prayers. I experienced this just yesterday. I don’t know why I forget this except for the fact that I’m human, but God has shown me time and again He is right beside me waiting for those prayers, my “high hopes” and lifted expectations.

    Excellent reminder, Lilka, that He walks with us always.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. It is all God. At this point I’m just watching to see what His will is in all of it. God has definitely used this child to teach me a thing or two. 😉 Much peace and blessings to all of you on your end.

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  10. Lilka, I needed this message this morning. You give me hope. Keep giving me the photos of life and the message behind it. God continue to bless you and your family.

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