What Are We Hoping For?
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” — Hebrews 11:1
June marks a time of new beginnings. For many immigrants, it’s not just another month, it represents fresh starts, a time of change, and opportunities to step into the promised land. The atmosphere might feel tense right now, but where there is great fear, there is opportunity for massive growth.
Whatever didn’t happen in the first half of this year. Whatever didn’t happen when we first came to this country. The time is now. But let’s remember: hope alone is not a strategy. Are we prepared? What exactly are we hoping for? Is our dream clear, or are we circling around it mapping out the longest route because we’re trying to follow the world’s way and in our own strength?
Are We Trusting God or Ourselves?
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
We often claim to have faith, however do we have faith in all areas of our lives or just the ones that feel comfortable?
I’ve seen this play out in my own journey. I had faith when it came to certain parts of my career. I traveled far and wide, acting on what God said. When He told me I was a writer, I embraced it. I wrote a book. I started a blog. I didn’t need anyone to hire me I stepped out.
But when I dreamed of becoming a consultant, I fell back into the mindset that said I needed to work for a firm. When the job didn’t come, I let that dream fade. But God had another way. He showed me that consultants bring strategy and solutions, and there’s no single path to becoming one. Before I could walk that road, God had to strip away old habits, mindsets, relationships, and things.
We have to give up to go up.
What are we still holding onto that God is trying to take away so He can elevate us?
Do You Love Me More Than These?
So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”– John 21:15
After Jesus’ death, Peter and some of the disciples returned to fishing, the trade they’d left behind to follow Him. Disappointed and heartbroken, they went back to what felt safe. How often do we do the same?
God often gives us specific assignments at particular times. And before He releases us fully into purpose, He tests us. The test often looks like a storm. Everything feels like it’s falling apart. But really, it’s falling into place.
When the storm hits, will we cling to what’s familiar, or will we trust God?
Do we love the blessings more than the One who gave them?
Are we doing what He ask us to do?
Were Our Minds and Hearts Hijacked by a System?
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33
Many of us born in developing nations still carry a developing mindset. We believe the system more than the Word. The system tells us: “go to school, get a job, work hard, buy a house, retire at 65.” There’s nothing wrong with these goals. But the problem comes when we pursue them on autopilot without God’s guidance.
The system keeps us fixated on survival rather than purpose. It appeals to the flesh and distracts from what really matters: building the kingdom of God.
Are We Being Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge?
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21
Do we know His will for our lives? Are we living the dream He promised or just going through the motions, hoping it’s enough? Telling ourselves that we are content or satisfied when God is trying to take us higher.
Some commands are universal: make disciples, love one another, bear good fruit. We don’t need a platform or title to do this. We can do it wherever we are in our jobs, at school, in our businesses.
Whose Kingdom Are We Building?
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17
The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus came so we could have life and have it more abundantly. John 10:10
Did the thief steal our peace and joy and our right standing with God? Then, we are building another kingdom, because there is no neutral ground.
But here’s the good news: we can begin again.
God offers us forgiveness, have we asked and received it? He offered us the helper – the Holy Spirit, because we can not do this alone. He doesn’t expect perfection. He gave us one another to complement our gifts not to compete, but complete the assignment. He gave us our gifts to build the Kingdom of God, not to tear it down.
Therefore, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:31-32
We Can Begin Again: Let’s Step Into Our Promise Land
We get a fresh start—a chance to step into the promised land. The first half of the year may not have gone as planned. But the second half is before us.
Let’s stop circling the wilderness. Let’s surrender what’s holding us back. Let’s trust God fully, follow His leading, and build His kingdom with righteousness, peace, and joy.
The promised land is within reach. The question is: are we ready to step into it?
With grace and growth,
Sanchia and team.
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