Hebrews 1:1 says “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” (NLT)
It was December 1987. Jeff and I had been dating for just five months but we knew without a shadow of a doubt that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together. Jeff had received my parents’ permission, we had reserved the reception hall, I had chosen my wedding gown. All that remained was the proposal and the ring. I knew it was coming but I didn’t know when. My birthday had come and gone without a proposal. Thanksgiving break had passed and still no ring. I knew without a doubt the ring was coming but the exact timing and circumstances were out of my control.
As I think about engagements or birthdays or any other much-anticipated day in my life, it strikes me that my faith in God should be much the same: a wonderful and mysterious combination of assurance and anticipation. Just as I knew that Jeff was going to propose and never doubted that he would follow through, I can also be assured of God’s constant work in my life, of his saving grace and unfailing love, of his goodness and faithfulness, regardless of life’s circumstances.
And just as I eagerly anticipated my engagement because I was sure of Jeff’s love and devotion for me, I can also be assured of God’s goodness and love and can eagerly anticipate whatever may lie ahead in His perfect plan for me. I knew Jeff would keep his word, and I was eager to get on with our future together. In the same way, because I have been blessed to experience God’s love and faithfulness in the past, I can joyfully anticipate whatever the future holds.
Jeff proposed to me on Christmas eve 1987 and gave me a beautiful diamond engagement ring. We have been happily married for almost 22 years. It is my daily prayer that I will consciously choose to rest in the surety of God’s promises and will anticipate with hope all He has in store for me.
Jen, guest blogger
Sixty-six books in a year 