Don’t Defer Hope

By June Collignon
Feeling hopeless is measured differently by each of us. The flesh and the spirit each play a significant role. But it should be the spirit that we find the most comfort the most strength the most encouragement. 
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I started looking for a job after being a stay at home mom for about 20 years, raising both my son’s as they were now off to college. I prayed, I applied, I waited. How was the Lord going to use me, who was he going to put in my path, what impact would I make? I was so excited to serve Him and was ready as He spent years preparing me.  

“For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, a plan to prosper you and not to harm you a plan for a hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11

I got a position working in an elementary school in our town I knew the principal and most of the staff as they were former teachers of my sons. I felt right at home.

​I dove right in with kids, all I wanted to do was bless them, show them love, encourage them but most of all I was determined to spread the love of the Lord to them; to the lonely awkward girl who ate lunch alone, the child who was always sent to the principal's’ office, the kids who were bullied.  Each day brought me joy knowing what my mission was. Love them June, treat them with kindness as the Lord has shown you, and be different from the others.

“We love because He first loved.”  1 John 4:19

A year and a half later the most devastating phone call came.  I was not to report to work that day but instead I was requested to report to the central office because a child accused me of hurting another child.   

Wait, I was working to do the Lord’s work, what was happening?  I spent the next 4 months in utter agony, loneliness, despair and I was heartbroken.  I was under investigation, accused of hurting a child? How could this be? This is when I was in the pit, when I felt the enemy had a hold on this situation

As I was investigated, interrogated and humiliated and while having the full support of my family and even the staff at school, all I remember is that this kind of support still wasn’t enough. This became apparent after spending countless days curled up under the blankets, hiding in depression that I realized all I truly needed was my Father, my Lord.  He was my hope, my only hope.

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is the tree of life.”  Prov 13:12

The state’s investigator looked right at me and said, “It is a good thing the incident was caught on camera and there is no evidence to support this child’s claim, you didn’t do anything wrong and you’re free to go.” I felt vindicated at that moment.  The investigator was wearing the same adorning cross around her neck that I too was wearing that day. A confirmation that God was there with me and I knew my hope was in Him. Although I was relieved, I resigned the following day. It was truly a very hard time if not the hardest time in my adult life.  All my years of preparing for such a moment as this were upon me, and I am thankful in all things because the Lord will never harm me. Maybe He was saving me from something far worse to come.

Where is your hope sweet sister when you are in the pit, when you believe that the enemy has a hold on you and/or your situation?

“Trust the Lord with ALL our heart and lean not on our own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.”  Proverbs 3:5-6

Find the peace in Him that He offers.  He wants the best and the most for you. His mercy, and His grace are just waiting for you to receive, as you faithfully seek Him.

You are His heir and He loves you dearly.

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