Declaring Hopes
Before I was granted the sabbatical leave in August (2023), I sought aspirations for the leave. I declared what I desired to be so, in hopes that it would become so.
There were only a handful of people that I expressed my dream and desires with during this time. I knew it was important to surround myself with those who were going to encourage me to fulfill the call. Let me be honest, not everyone is in your corner. But I did know who was in my corner. My pastors were so encouraging to me during the entire process. They would pray with me and encourage me to “throw out the fleece” (Judges 6). I recall Pastor Wendell Coning (Hamilton Dream Center) saying, “Keep throwing out the fleeces.
Write down the desires.
Make requests to those in authority for permission to pursue the desires and dreams of your heart.
See what they say.
If they say, “Yes”, then it is meant to be at this hour. If they say, “No”, then it is not meant to be at this time.
Talking about fleeces, in May, I also purchased my flight before the leave was even approved.
“Faith acts like it is so, even though it is not so, so it can become so.”
The desire to pursue the dream was so strong within my heart. Yet, having the dream was just the beginning. Faith is needed when taking strides to follow the desires of your heart. Not just any faith, but BOLD FAITH!
So this is what I began to do:
“Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end - it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.” (Habakkuk 2:2-3)
So, I sought the Lord, and then I began to write.
What I Hoped Would Result From The Sabbatical:
God’s glory to be revealed through the journey.
God’s grace and mercy to be understood.
Individuals to pursue the desires of their heart that align with who they are IN CHRIST.
To find rest, and encourage others to find rest.
Friends to share in the journey.
Others to be encouraged to live outside of fear.
More to be revealed to me about Israel.
Share professional expertise with colleagues, children, and professional organizations.
Now faith brings our hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for. It is the evidence required to prove what is still unseen.
✝
Now faith brings our hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for. It is the evidence required to prove what is still unseen. ✝
Release the dung to make room for the gimmal.
Can I ask you some questions?
Every person has desires within their heart.
How are you fulfilling the desires of your heart?
Every person is created for a purpose.
What steps are you taking to fulfill your purpose?
Every person is longing for someone to help.
There is a person who longs to help you. The Helper.
Are you longing for The Helper?
It is as simple as ABC.
A- Admit that you are a sinner in need of a Savior.
B- Believe that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, Your Savior, and that He died and rose again so that you can be forgiven of all of the wrong things (sins) that you have done and will do. (Hopefully, you try to stop sinning/REPENT). Jesus promised The Helper would come and be in you (John 14:17).
C- Confess with your mouth that He is your Savior. Develop a relationship with Him by reading His Word (The Bible). Talk to Him (Prayer). Connect with a group of people who can help you. Continue to draw near to Him. It is near Him that you will find peace and find THE HELPER.