Clinging to Hope: An Advent StudyПримерок

SURE HOPE Our time in Luke 1 comes to a close with Zechariah trying to wrap his head around the news that he and Elizabeth will finally have the child they have long prayed for and desired. He’s trying to make sense of it because it doesn’t make any sense. The angel Gabriel responds in one sentence that says in part, “ I stand in the presence of God… ” That’s the answer. That’s how any of this is possible. God. We live in a time where there are SO many other people, things, ideas, and beliefs that we could put our hope in. Honestly, some of them might make us feel better in the moment. But we know that won’t last. A hope in circumstance is flimsy; the only thing worth waiting for and hoping for is Jesus. The Bible tells us that Jesus is our living hope. We serve a living God and a living Savior. And He is with us. Right here, right now, day in and day out. We weren’t meant to do this life alone, and we don’t have to. When we put our hope in Jesus instead of the things around us, we can live our lives on the solid foundation of a Savior who loves us and won’t ever leave us. Ask Yourself: -What have you learned about God over the last few days? -How have you grown in hope over the last few days? -What does hope look like in your everyday life? Pause to Pray: Use this simple tool for a moment of silence and solitude. 1- Take ten deep breaths – with each inhale, pray silently “Jesus,” and on the exhale, pray, “My hope is in You.” 2- Read 1 Peter 1:3 multiple times. Ask God to fill you with hope and pray any impressions back to Him using praise, confession, thanksgiving, and requests. Take a Next Step: Continue to make space for God during this Advent season. Look for Finding Peace: An Advent Study, and invite a friend to read along with you. Find more resources at [ www.whoisgrace.com/READ ](http://www.whoisgrace.com/READ) .