On The 3rd Day of Healing my Father gave to me…

by | Dec 23, 2018 | The 12 Days of Healing

HOPE

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulders. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  – Isaiah 9:6

These words, very familiar Christmas card declarations, were proclaimed about 700 years before the birth of Christ. People, waiting for their Messiah, didn’t base their expectations on wishful thinking of His arrive.  instead, they had a confident expectation based on solid certainty, an expectation of obtainment of God’s promises. This is hope.

Hope is an extension of our faith… Without faith it’s impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6) Without hope our expectation of good or success is diminished as we dwell on the negative of the situation. Hope deferred, unrelenting disappointment, makes the heart sick. (Proverbs 13:12) Don’t dwell there. Instead, allow God to fulfill your joy. Make Him the focus as you look into His word, taking hold of His promises, growing your faith and trust in Him, thus increasing your hope for today and onward.

Hope ignites our faith… “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

Hope gives determination to move forward… It lifts our perspective from the valley of weariness to a view which is seen from a higher road. “Why am I discouraged and cast down, O my soul? Why is my heart so sad and disquieted within me? I will put my hope in God. I will praise Him, the help of my countenance.” (Psalm 42:5,11; 43:5)

Hope is a door… Hosea 2:15 talks about the Valley of Achor as a door of hope. Interestingly, Achor means trouble. As you allow your troubles to be God’s instrument in drawing you closer to Him, He’ll turn your mess into a message of hope to help and comfort others. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Hope for the future… God’s promises will come to pass. “There is hope in your future, says the Lord, that your children shall come back to their own border. Refrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears; for your work shall be rewarded. And they shall come back from the land of the enemy.” (Jeremiah 31: 17, 16) “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope, without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23)

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12)

God loves you. God loves your children. Lean into Him this Christmas season. He’ s our burden bearer, our joy fulfiller and our hope for a brighter tomorrow.

By Chris Esposito, Hurting Moms Leader – Long Beach, California