12/20/2020 - Advent Hope

As human beings, we need things in our future that give us excitement and optimism. I actually believe God implanted within each one of us this innate need. Of course the ultimate fulfillment of this is the hope of heaven. The Christmas story reminds us that heaven is attainable through faith in Jesus. Therefore hope and faith are inseparable. The author of Hebrews explains.

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

Additionally, we have hope in this life here and now. The Scriptures invite us to come to Jesus and confidently ask for help in our time of need. 

Hebrews 4:16 tells us, “to come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

Things that leave us feeling powerless and hopeless come in many forms. With Christ’s strength you can overcome life's biggest obstacles, and faith in Jesus gives hope and help to overcome: 

“and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).

Have you ever faced a giant in life only to think it's too big and you can't handle it?  We do not need some kind of "God supplement" to our own strength, rather, we need His strength in us to do what we need to do. And he always gives it. 

2 Corithians 12:9 says, “My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Seeing our weakness as the entry point of God’s strength gives access to His power!

When we put our faith and hope in Jesus, it not only gives us help, strength, and power for today, but it also gives us hope for life after death. It is a confident expectation of the ultimate “tomorrow.” Have you been feeling hopeless? All you need to do is ask God for what he has already made possible.

“May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace, as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).