Our True Hope
Life can be difficult sometimes. All of us go through seasons filled with difficulty, grief, or loss. And even if you haven’t experienced those things yet, you’ve probably had moments where you’ve grown tired of doing good. As much as we want to live well and do good to others, the truth is that we will all grow weary of it at some point.
In Isaiah 40:31, Isaiah says that those who hope in God will find renewed strength. The key to perseverance in difficult seasons is not simply pushing through and trying harder. Strength isn’t found in simply hoping our circumstances will change.
God’s Word says that true strength comes from placing our hope in God. Because God is all-powerful, He alone has the power to change our circumstances. But God also knows that as humans, we grow weary and restless. We often place our hope in temporary solutions when we should be relying on God, who can truly help us.
But when we place our hope in God alone, Scripture tells us we will find renewed strength to endure life’s challenges. Hoping in God means trusting in His promises—even if we don’t see them fulfilled in our lifetime.
During this season of Advent and time of reflection, how can you allow the Lord to renew your hope in God? Allow Him to search your heart. Pray that you will be filled with the strength and hope that only God can provide.
God Gives Good Gifts
There are seasons in our lives that are far more discouraging than encouraging. It's inevitable that all of us will experience those moments, and it's often in the face of insurmountable grief or heartbreaking experiences.
But Romans 15:5 reminds us that there are three things God gives to those who believe in Jesus. The first is that God gives endurance. When we begin to grow tired of doing good things, or living our lives for God, it's often because we are living with the wrong motivation.
True motivation comes from living for God, not ourselves. It is God who gives us the endurance—through His Spirit—to make good choices and live for Him.
The second thing God gives us is encouragement. In seasons of discouragement, when we feel let down by other people, God gives us lasting encouragement. He reminds us that we are loved. That we are being transformed. That He can use all things for our good and His glory. We don’t need to strive for approval or acceptance because...