His hope or mine ????

hope -    the other day I was reminded that the Lord's "hope" sometimes  differs greatly from mine  - and I am so grateful.

we have "hope" for many things:
                       hope it doesn't rain during the picnic
                       hope our favorite team gets to the playoff
                       hope   etc  etc  etc

but sometimes our "hope"  doesn't line up with God's "hope"

     I was talking with a friend about a family who had recently left their church.  They had become quite dissatisfied and disgruntled.  And, spurred by anger and angst, they left for the wrong reasons, and they left in the wrong manner.
   With a heavy heart, I sighed  and said what many of us say in this situation , " I hope they find what they are looking for..."  To that, my friend replied,  " I disagree with you.  I hope they realize that their struggle is with their  obedience to God.  I hope they return to Him and His ways."  My friend understood  and remembered God's greatest  hope is for all of us - true fellowship with Him. 
    We must guard against thinking and saying those types of  natural responses. For even though such responses are  heartfelt and genuine, they do not reflect God's heart, and His hope.  And that is part of the true good news message we are all called to bring each and every day

Pastor Ron