28 DAYS OF HOPE | DAYS
Access each day's video and written content by clicking on the numbers below.
INTRO | 1 | 2 | 3| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | END
SERMONS | 1 - The Treasure Chest | 2 - The Two Jars  | 3 - The Compass | 4 - The Oar

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DEVOTIONAL

WEEK 1 – HOPE GIFTS
DAY SIX

Hope is based on the reality of the promises of God. Why are promises essential? When our circumstances are brutal, we hold onto God’s word. When you cannot see God’s hand, trust His heart. We walk by faith and not by sight. For many people hope is fleeting because it revolves around situations that are constantly changing and are often frustrating and disappointing. How can you be filled with hope when your experiences are heartbreaking? We can grieve and have hope at the same time. The hope is greater than the mourning because of Jesus. There is no resurrection without a death. Sickness, injuries, injustice, oppressors, and our mortality try to derail our hope.

The battle belongs to the Lord, and we need the armor of God.

In this first week of focusing on hope gifts, you might feel like these daily devotions are describing life as only being wonderful. Building a foundation for a lifetime of hope includes an emphasis on God’s character, provision, and promises. It does not, however, exclude the existence of evil. There is mystery in our suffering and questions that cannot be answered. There is also clarity as the Bible is very straightforward about the devil and demons who are fallen angels. They come to steal, kill, and destroy. People also mistreat each other and cause harm. God was not pleased when Cain killed Abel. Jesus fiercely rebuked the religious leaders, called out hypocrisy, and flipped over the tables in the temple to confront the greed and manipulation. God is not the cause and does not endorse hatred, abuse, and the cruel violence we see today around the world. God does not give us a spirit of timidity though, and His perfect love drives out fear.

The Holy Spirit comforts and empowers us to overcome and shine the light of Jesus which is greater than the darkness.

Not all circumstances are good, but God will work all things together for the good of those who love God. God will use the pain to forge and fuel a new purpose and passion. The agony drives us to the hope of God. God’s truth will prevail over the lies. God’s promises are “Yes” and “Amen” in Christ. God is Sovereign, which means he has the final say in all matters. He will make all things right. He will bring a final justice and even vengeance. Evil will bow down to the name of Jesus.

All trials are temporary. God has a good plan and is in control. He is on the throne.

Charles Spurgeon said that when you go through a trial, the Sovereignty of God is the pillow on which you lay your head. Daniel in the lion’s den and the three Israelite young men in the fiery furnace have rest in their souls because they trust God’s Sovereignty. Abraham and Sarah ventured to the Promised Land because God directed them. They overcame doubt and believed that their descendants would be like the stars in the sky, even though they were senior citizens with no children. Only Almighty God can give promises that are unbreakable. The promises of God are filled with hope. Let them dwell in you richly for they are a fountain that never runs dry.

Just Choose Hope

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

What are some of God’s promises that give you indestructible hope?

What are specific promises that God has fulfilled in your life?

Do you feel peace and contentment because of God’s promises? Give some examples.

How much does your faith in God’s promises allow you to step out of your comfort zone on a daily basis? Explain ways in which you might start taking more risks.