Hope Floats

There are many firsts happening in the Kutter house. One thing I have come to realize is that "firsts" can be a little scary, but "firsts" that God calls you to are always worth it.

It reminds me of a quote from one of my favorite movies when I was growing up, Hope Floats. I still can't pass it on t.v. without stopping to watch it, and it's a go-to movie of mine whenever I am sick on the couch. My sister and I have several quotes from the movie that we throw around including, "Birdee and Bernice, the coolest chicks in Smithville." :) 

But the quote I am thinking of is, "... beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it's the middle that counts the most. Try to remember that when you find yourself at a new beginning. Just give hope a chance to float up. And it will, too..."

Endings can be sad, but they can also be pretty wonderful so I choose to skip that part. I agree that beginnings can be scary, but it's what we do with that fear that matters. As much as I wish that hope would magically float up, I just don't know if that's always true.

I do know that true hope comes from God. While beginnings can be scary, I believe at that moment it's more important than ever to keep our eyes on God, our hope and our provider. To keep our thoughts on who He is, on His words for our life, and on the good things He has done for us. 

So yes, the beginning is scary, but we don't have to wait until the middle of something to find our peace and comfort. We don't have to wait until we are completely in it, for hope to float up. Hope is much closer than we think. In fact, it is only a name away. The name above every other name, the name that brings hope, the name that gives comfort. The name of God. The name of Jesus. 

David in the Bible knew this to be true. God had already spoken that David would be the King of Israel, but the current king, Saul, did not like this idea. Enter: scary beginning. During this time, David spent many years in war, running from Saul who was trying to kill him. David knew and felt fear, but He was never overcome with fear. What did he do? So many times David wrote about crying or calling out to God, and the hope that came soon after. David did not let fear stop him. He followed through with what God called him to do and was crowned king, and for that God called David a man after His own heart.

How badly I want God to be able to say that of me. Brittany, a woman after God's own heart. I have to admit, I have definitely caught myself sitting in fear of a beginning, but I have also experienced the moment of calling on Jesus. It's then, I remember his power and greatness, and I am no longer afraid. Fear is replaced with excitement, new determination and more than anything, peace. I know I will have a lifetime of beginnings and a lifetime saying the name of Jesus. 

So I encourage you, (along with myself) get started on those beginnings. Let God be the God of hope to you, and continue to MOVE in the direction He is calling you! 

Psalm 25: 1-7

1 In you, Lord my God,
    I put my trust.

2 I trust in you;
    do not let me be put to shame,
    nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one who hopes in you
    will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those
    who are treacherous without cause.

4 Show me your ways, Lord,
    teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
    for you are God my Savior,
    and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love,
    for they are from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth
    and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,

    for you, Lord, are good. 

Blessings, 

Bri