The last few homes Dave and I have lived in we have named. The atmosphere of our homes has been a testimony to the Lord. We had people tell us that our home in Montana was so peaceful and it was. Nothing but prairie and mountain vistas as far as the eye could see.
When we came to Southern Arizona and moved into our Spanish style home, we named it Casa de Paz, or house of peace. When we poured the patio slab, we inscribed it with the words, Casa de Paz. Visitors told us of how well they slept; they were able to relax and just let the stress of everyday living go. It was a joy to hear – we felt God’s presence and it was good to know that others sensed that peace as well.
Now, we have a new home. And although there is no fresh concrete to write a name in, we have agreed that this should be Casa de Esperanza, house of hope. For truly, we hoped for a home like this – it was the desire of our heart – and without God it wouldn’t have been possible.
“I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in him. Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 ERV
There are so many today who are lacking both hope and peace. They struggle to find purpose and once they find it there is a struggle to see it fulfilled. Without our confidence and trust in the Lord, we would be living that way too.
“So, brothers and sisters, stand strong and continue to believe the teachings we gave you when we were there and by letter. 16-17 We pray that the Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father will comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. God loved us and gave us through his grace a wonderful hope and comfort that has no end.” II Thessalonians 2:15-17 ERV
One of God’s gifts to us is hope. His grace, blessing us when we are undeserving, is the conduit through which hope flows. Many lack hope because they feel God is mad at them and is looking for an opportunity to punish them. Quite the opposite is true – He loves us and is looking for opportunity to bless us and give us hope.
“ Do not give me over to the desire of those who hate me. For people who tell lies about me rise against me, and breathe a desire to hurt me. 13 I would have been without hope if I had not believed that I would see the loving-kindness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord. Be strong. Let your heart be strong. Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:12-14 NLV
We have no idea where the Lord will take us in this journey but we are excited about the trip. We look forward to bringing hope to those who are hurting as we travel down the road in our Casa de Esperanza.