Raging, Ranting, Raving, and Rhapsodizing

This post is dedicated to Melissa and Beth.

Melissa wants a house, a home, that she can make her own. I've been excited for her while she'd shared her thrill at the idea of this dream finally becoming a reality. Recently they found out that her husband's post isn't as certain as they thought, making the purchase of a house very unwise- and they've decided not to do it. My heart was grieved when I read that post.

Everyone has hopes and dreams, things they've clung to for long years. In turn, everyone knows the pain of hope deferred or dreams unfulfilled. This post is about a house, but I'm really talking about that thing your heart desires that you just can't have, or can't have yet. Yet is a tremendous word for just 3 letters.

Beth yearns for a house to own also. I loved the comment she left quoting Deuteronomy 6:10-11. (forgive me, but I love the New King James Version)

So shall it be, when the Lord your God brings you into the land which He swore to your fathers... to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build, houses full of all good things, which you did not fill, hewn-out wells which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant.

It's easy to see other people in their hour of doubt and be able to realize rationally that their hope isn't gone. When you're a step removed from the intensity of their disappointment, it's easy to look at the whole situation and see that things will be alright (you know, to see the forest AND the trees). I remember when my very serious boyfriend of 3 years broke my heart and left me for someone else, I was devastated. My hopes were for security and safety, and suddenly I felt alone, vulnerable, without a future. My friends and family were removed from the intensity of sadness and loss I felt and assured me time and time again that life would get better and "God's got better things in mind for you". Now, 29 days away from my wedding, it turns out that they were right, though I couldn't perceive it then- I have security, a future, and many things I had settled not to hope for- a man who cherishes me and serves me in love. But I digress. My point is that when you're adrift in the stirred up passions left in the wake of an emotional blow, it's easy to lose sight of hope. But God's plans are not for your destruction, but for your blessing and prosperity. Whether you see it or not, God is really planning something better.

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him. ~1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV

I would be amiss if I didn't include the NKJV of this verse. It's so beautiful:

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.

A woman who I greatly respect once told me "You're not dreaming big enough. Don't limit God by dreaming so small!".

I want to speak encouragement that you really, truly- you'll look back on this season of waiting and disappointment and be thankful for it. I also want to encourage you to be honest with God. Heartbroken? Angry? Furious? Tell Him. He wants your sincerity. He's a God with emotions and He made us emotional for a reason. Just don't be afraid to dream big-the fulfillment may come unlooked for. Hey, I finally got my car!