The older I get, the more wary I am of getting my hopes up. I’d hoped to get the lead in the school play, but I got a secondary role instead. I’d hoped to get into a master’s program, but I didn’t. I’d hoped that relationship would work out, but it ended. Because of this, I have become very good at what I call “hope management.” I never let my hopes get too high. In doing so, when my hopes fall, the landing is softer.
This is why I can’t blame Zechariah for questioning the angel Gabriel when he tells him, “Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John” (Luke 1:13). Zechariah protests. He was an “old man” and his wife, Elizabeth, “was well along in years.” Although Zechariah was clearly in the midst of a heavenly encounter, his question has undertones of disbelief: “How can I know this?” (v.18).
This tells me that Zechariah and Elizabeth had gotten their hopes up about a child before, and Zechariah can’t face the disappointment again. He can’t name another unborn child in expectation, only to have those expectations dashed. But as a result of Zechariah’s unbelief, he is unable to speak until the day his son is born and he sees God’s promise fulfilled.
Mary’s response to Gabriel is different. She is told something equally unbelievable––that she, a virgin, will conceive a child. Gabriel instructs, “You will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end” (vv.31–33).
But Mary’s question is more logistical than it is incredulous: “How can this be?” (v.34). As the CSB Study Bible says, “The difference between Mary’s response… and Zechariah’s is that Mary asked her question not from unbelief but from puzzlement.”
The nation of Israel had high hopes for a Savior for generations. I would not blame Mary for containing her hope. But she does the opposite. While Zechariah’s mouth was closed, Mary’s opens in praise: “My soul praises the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (vv.46–47).
These words reflect the type of unmanaged, unharnessed hope I want to have in response to the promises of God. Instead of reserving my hope, smothering it, not letting it get too high, I want to hold hope with open hands, believing the Lord will do what He says, that He will make good on His promise to save.
What I have that Mary didn’t at this point in her life is the end of the story. I know God made good on His promise to save. When that is where my hope lies, I cannot be not disappointed, and instead, I can declare:
“The Mighty One has done great things for me, and His name is holy.
His mercy is from generation to generation” (vv.49–50).
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210 thoughts on "The Coming Savior"
A powerful reminder of trusting God is faithful to His Word every time.
I have had a really hard time with my my faith here recently. I struggle with praying and getting into my bible and I’m hoping this will help me get back into it.
Vs50 His mercy is from generation to generation…thank you Jesus❣️
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Hello 6
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Amen! What a great reminder that God always comes through
This was a great encouragement to stop reserving my hope for fear of disappointment. God will always come through with his promises!
A beautiful reminder to not fear hope. The Lord has already done great things for us all.
Starting this study today June 1 and taking this month to read, reflect and learn. Excited to read the word and grow through it.
Day1. My prayer is that I will be faithful to finish. “The Lord has done this for me. He has looked with favor in these days to take away my disgrace among the people.”
So good! God is faithful even in our faithless times.
I love the idea of letting go of the title “hope manager” when we can trust that the Lord will make good on His promises!
Feeling a strong need for hope from the Lord today, my sister is so far from the Lord and I don’t know how to help her, It is so difficult to find hope in this situation but trusting God is the first step. Thankful for this study and this community
I just finished day one. I am reminded yet again that God is truth and never changed. His promises are fulfilled and his words are true, yesterday, today and forever. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
About to start this study!!! Super excited!! Any tips on things I can do to get the most of Gods word through this study?
Pray first, no distractions, be still ans listen for the Lord, take your time, ask questions, use a journal, have an accountability partner if you can.
It’s so good Yanet! I just did Day 1. Loving it already!
I just recently started finding my faith again. I hadn’t nurtured it for many years, but felt called (commanded) to explore again. I read John and now and starting Luke. I am finding Jesus and the serenity that come when I am still and present. I still have my doubt at times… but am filling with something that allows me to accept that my journey in faith is allowed to be a marathon and not a sprint. I believe that Jesus can handle that and hold me close through it.
Yes He can handle it all because He knows what will happen in your life and if you let Him He will guide you through it. I’m happy you have returned to your walk with God. It is easier to walk with God on life’s journey than to do it without Him so if you find yourself questioning your faith again talk to a mature Christian believer for advice.
I tend to reserve my Hope in in fear of disappointment. I’m praying that I root my hope and faith in God. His faithfulness is everlasting. If he says he will bring it to pass, he will bring it to pass. This is such a good word!
what a great insight. Just started and I am already thinking
I just got my Bible about a week and a half ago. I needed a new Bible and I wanted to try something new—a new version. So I chose this one along with a Passion Translation. I absolutely love this Bible. I asked God where I should start reading and I heard Luke. I was sharing with someone today how wonderful this Bible is and they told me about this website. I was unaware because I order my Bible from another site. While on the phone with the person I felt led to pray and I kept hearing the word “Kingdom” so I prayed as led regarding the kingdom of God. After I got off the phone I decided to check out this site and see what it’s about and lo and behold. The reading plan is Luke and today’s verse is about Jesus remembering us in the kingdom. I also have to share my delight that when I first received my Bible I was tickled because the first devotion in Luke is about making pasta from scratch in Italy paralleled against clinging to the promises of God. So I’ve been wanting to buy a pasta maker to make pasta from scratch for quite some time, and a bucket list trip I would love to take is going to Italy and taking a cooking class. On top of that I have been apathetic, as Zechariah probably was, for some quite sometime concerning the promises of God in my life. I definitely fell in love with that reading because I knew God was speaking directly to me. I’ve read that devotion about 5-6 times. Cling to His promises. Thank you for the great work you have done with the mauling of this Bible and making God’s word enjoyable, practical and intimate in a fresh way.
I love the contrast between Mary and Zechariah’s response and that despite the difference, God still blesses them both richly. This is a good reminder for me that God works through his people in many ways and that even in Zechariah’s mute state, God was revealed to the people (they knew Zechariah has seen a vision while in the temple).
Really late to the game for this bible reading, but I am a very new believer. This is my first attempt of delving into the Bible and reading it through the presence of the Holy Spirit. I am so glad that I have a community to interact with and to share our love for Christ for! God is indeed so good! Most of my life has been similar to Zechariah’s response to Gabriel: untrusting and wary. But once I found the Lord, there is no turning back. He has entered my life and soul in a way that I cannot hide from his presence. He is always there and always loving. Pursuing God’s will with an open heart like Mary is a gateway to a freed life. I’m so glad that we started this year with reading Luke, and I can’t wait to discuss with this community more in future Bible studies!!! Sending all my love xx
Welcome my new sister in Christ! You have found a great place to grow in your walk with the Lord. Don’t hesitate to ask questions.
I love Mary’s response “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” Without reservation or hesitation, she submits to be the mother of our Savior. I needed this message today … to unhinge my hope and to renew my trust in His promises. He ALWAYS knows what I need.
I love Mary’s response “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” Without reservation or hesitation, she submits to be the mother of our Savior, the Son of God.
My Bible says that the Greek word Theophilis means “friend or lover of God”. Some scholars believe this is not a person , but a greeting to all lovers of God.
I’m new here! Absolutely love this read! As I go through different seasons in life, I always find the Holy Spirit leading me to a foundation scripture. A couple of months back: “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill what he has spoken to her! ” Luke 1:45 was a Bible scripture I wrote in my heart. At times when God speaks, I am in disbelief as Zechariah was. However, we walk by faith and not by sight. Though, my situation doesn’t look like it can be what God has spoken, I would rather place my faith in Him because my God has spoken. God is a promise keeper. He will fulfill every word He has spoken over you. Trust in Him.
Brianna- One widely accepted theory is that Theophilus was a financial patron of Luke’s who helped Luke publish Luke/Acts. Whoever he was, he was interested in the story and person of Jesus!
https://www.blueletterbible.org/study/intros/luke.cfm (look under the Audience and Purpose section0
Hi! I´m starting this plan today, but I´m already feeling blessed. I need so much to feel hopeful right now… Reading this initial part of Luke’s plan is a treat! I’ll work on trying not to reserve my hope because it depends on my faith in God!
I’m late to starting this study as well. So nice to hear some of us will still be going through it together! I haven’t read all of the messages but I was wondering if anyone knew who “Theophilus” Luke v.3 is?
I was wondering that as well during reading, so I googled. Check out this read: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.gotquestions.org/amp/Theophilus-Luke-Acts.html
I love this! My favorite part of these readings is Luke 1:45 …She holds onto hope for he is forever faithful! The Lord is faithful and able to do all he has promised. Don’t let the enemy of doubt steal the hope that Jesus died to give you!
HALLELUJAH
Just started the reading this morning ✨ can’t wait to keep reading!
I am late as well but love the message in here. Can’t wait to keep reading.
I give thanks to God for this community for sharing in learning Gods word.
Great study! My church is currently doing a Luke study and this is such a great way to review and look back and remember the different approaches of Zechariah and Mary. I pray that whatever hopes I may have that I may react like how Mary did – she praised the Lord and believed by faith!
So true! I will be adding that to my prayers while doing this study.
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This was really good. I just joined this community today but this devotion was so good. I think a lot of times I am doubtful about something God says if it doesn’t make sense to my human brain. But my prayer is to believe more and to not TRY to understand everything.
I am so glad I started reading this. I needed to get back in the habit and what a wonderful and hopeful verse to start with. Will you be reading Peter?
I too am guilty of “managing hope”…I have a hard time appreciating the highs because I am always worried about what potential grief/disappointment the future holds. And that mentality becomes a joy thief. I needed to hear this message today! I want to grow deeply in my relationship with Christ. I am so thankful to have found this study and group!
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As I began reading this passage with an open mind I instantly felt like my spirit was awakened to a lacking in faith I currently carry. Luke was eager to share the gospel to Theophilus, knowing the news he was sharing was carefully investigated and full of truth. He wanted to spread the gospel so the recipient received complete “certainty” of the words being released and retained. This was where I was challenged.
Are we preaching with certainty?
Are we living with certainty?
Are the words I use to help a love one in need backed up with complete certainty or are they just lines from a sermon I heard the day prior?
Faith means standing on some kind of certainty.
The certainty of a promise.
The certainty of my saviors love.
Maybe the certainty of God’s power!
It’s not knowledge we’re lacking.
The enemy has done a fine job convincing me that the Lord wasn’t using me like he’d like to because “ I didn’t know enough.”
I’m not lacking knowledge. I’m lacking the certainty of what is written.
Certainty is captivating God’s people.
Certainty gives credit to the gospel.
Certainty is calling new believers.
God, just as you did Zechariah, keep me mute until the words released from my mouth are backed up with certainty rather than doubt.
I’m certainly excited to share the gospel in a new way ♥️
The difference between the two responses of Zechariah and Mary were exactly what I was pondering as I read the Luke passage. I thought the same things! They seem to ask the same question of the angel, but Zechariah’s came with a tone of disbelief, whereas Mary’s came with wonderment and awe! I love the tender hope and praise in her heart. That’s how I want to respond to God’s promises too!!!
I love this ♥️
I needed this today. I do feel that the older I get the more I manage my hope. This somehow does cause a rift in my personal relationship with God.
I too have put my hopes in the clouds only to have them fall and me end up with a broken heart. I need to remember that God is in control and my hope should be balanced in knowing that.
I needed this today… the Lord is merciful ❣ but yes I have gotten my hope up many time only for it to be crushed, but there is a reason for it, the reason being it’ll be disguise in another blessing! God knows why he does everything in his way and not ours.
I loved this reading today!!! I live in hope…high hopes! I KNOW God will fulfill his promises!!! And I’m so grateful!
Wow. God has never failed to meet me where I’m at. Really needed this, as I will be finishing up my senior year this June and will be off to college. Have been managing my hope as to where I’ll end up, but was reminded to hold hope with open hands and trust that He will fulfill his promises; that He’ll always do good by His word. Praying that I continually trust in that. ❤️
Mine isn’t a “getting my hopes up” thing, it’s really just trying to hear what God is saying to me. I want to hear God’s voice…I want to know what it’s like for him to speak through me after I’ve prayed and prayed for something, even it’s not the answer I want. But I want to just hear his voice! I cry out to him, and I pray that he will speak through me, and I pray that he will silence my thoughts and things I’m trying to do on my own so I may hear his voice louder…and His words will drown out my thoughts.
God, I pray you rid Ariana completely of herself. I pray in her time with you and throughout the monotony of life you show up, just as you did for Zechariah and Mary. Mute her thoughts, deliver her from her worldly eyes and allow her to grasp the power of your voice, your whisper, and your spirit. The enemy is good at convincing us of your silence, when really it’s us that are simply plugging our ears. You are a God of knowledge and love. I pray you pour both over Ariana today and all days following. ♥️
I have traveled every week for work for the past 3.5 years. It’s been hard on my community and my marriage. There is an end in sight, maybe just a few more weeks, but I keep my hopes low “just in case” it gets pushed back (again). Now I have renewed hope that God’s timing is good and He will bring me home so soon!!!
Wow this is exactly what I needed to hear this morning. I am awaiting test results to know if my baby has inherited a fatal disease. I am 17 weeks pregnant and lost my daughter last June at 37 weeks. I feel like God has been whispering the words “do not be afraid” for days now. I have this feeling that my baby against all odds might be healthy. I am scared to hope. Unmanaged hope is so so hard.
you are in my prayers, God has his plan ❤️
Praying for and your baby
Praying
Praying for you.
That’s really heavy, for sure. Thanks for sharing.
Hope deferred makes the heart sick. Make me like Mary. Though I can’t understand it all let me rejoice in the fact that God is not a God that he should lie and therefore I have the right to believe and rejoice
I love this perspective. There is always so much to be hopeful for but letting yourself be hopeful is sometimes easy said than done for me as well. This year I hope to trust God with everything and know He has a plan for everything.
My hope this year is that I will draw closer to Him! I’m thankful for finding this study and community of believers!❤️
I have something that Mary didn’t. The end of the story. YES.
How amazing and how timely this is. When Hope is lost, it seems that my whole world goes dark. I’m so blessed to see that Christ is our Hope and our Hope is never lost! The world will try and steal it but we can be hopeful always because our God is good. I’m so pleased to be on this journey with you ladies!
What a beautiful way to put it. Christ is our Hope and our Hope is never lost. Thank you for your beautiful words.
I’m late to the party, but so thankful to have found this study group. I was seven years old when I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. I’ve been believing God for a few specific things for more than 20 years. My faith in who God is and what He can do hasn’t waivered but my ability to hold on to the hope that He will answer ME quite honestly has. Nevertheless, I’m determined to go deeper in God and be the conduit someone sees as a living example of faith and hope in an effort to assist someone else in their journey with Christ.
Lyn,
I resonate with what you’re saying- especially that your hope that God will answer you has lessened. I feel that too. There’s a disconnect for me a lot of times. My relationship doesn’t feel as personal as I know it can feel. I’m thankful for your vulnerability and am encouraged I’m not alone.
I’m late as well but at least we started!
Hope management, that is very me
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I love the two parallels between these stories from the Bible. While Zechariah was left in so much disbelief that God took away his ability to even speak, Mary’s reaction was one of humbleness and reverence toward God’s will.
When God speaks to us, we have to believe His words and His truths and that He will provide for us through what He speaks to us. Zechariah’s disbelief is warranted due to his old age and that his wife was beyond child-baring years. Yet, God provided for them both and gave them a child that grew up to be astounding.
Similarly, Mary believed the angel of God. She took that faith and had to go to Joseph about that!! Could you even fathom telling your fiancé/husband that you immaculately conceived a child? What a crazy thing to believe—especially in today’s world. Mary would have been admonished and even stoned to death during her time. Yet she didn’t doubt the angel of God. She took what he said at face value and followed after God’s heart.
We must continue to have such blind faith when it comes to God. We must always trust that His ways are the answers to all our questions.
My husband and I have been believing for a baby for 10 years. My hope is renewed!
Amen!
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Unmanaged, unharnessed hope <<< that is what I want for this year. For my faith in Jesus and my hope in His promises to not be bridled by my own doubts or unbelief – just completely unleashed excitement and wonder at hope incredible His plan is for my life.
So thankful for this community and for God’s Word. Oh how I long to have hope and to have the faith to truly believe that I can have a firm and lasting hope in God’s promises.
I certainly identify with trying not to get my hopes up. The past few years, I have realized that sometimes in an effort to guard my heart, I’m really hardening my heart. I think I do the same thing with hope. Even though I’m starting this late, it was right on time for me.
This is powerful. I’m up so late at night trying to find peace in this study after a family feud ended a sibling relationship. The devil is hard at work and I feel hopeless, looking at the future. I MUST remember to hold hope up, I can cast everything on Him to untangle and pray that my guarded heart stays hopeful.
I want to be hungry for more of God this year. That is what I’m hoping for and believing for. The more I hunger the more He reveals to me and the more of Him I desire.
Zoe, I am there with you. I desire to be closer to God. I will be praying for you.
This is my prayer for the new year,to develop a deeper relationship with God,and I am riding on the hope of His promise to draw nearer to me when I draw near.
Me too.
Zoe, that is exactly what i need too. To build a bond with God and make my walk
2018 was a year of tests and hard life lessons for my family. We came out stronger, with the common lesson through our trials to learn to let God work and stop trying to control every situation, trying to control every situation will only cause disappointment. This is a great reading for me this morning, I’m hoping to stay more regular with my bible reading, spread more love& patience to my husband & son, and remember that I need to keep God as my compass in life. Happy New Year!
Choosing to believe Jesus today. To hope in the Lord and believe that nothing is impossible for him.
Happy to be reading alongside of you ladies. I basically took the last 2 years off of fellowship with others after a divorce. Me and Jesus were still in communion but I was skeptical about others and his ability to give me a good spouse esp after my marriage. I ended up in a terrible relationship bc I just didn’t want to be alone and God in his love totally shut it down. And I’m thankful. Hurting but hopeful. The Mary hope. The hope that knows, despite what it looks like, God will come through.
I’ve been managing hope more and more as each month passed over the past year. Praying, but including an out just in case it doesn’t happen, I’m not as let down. Holding hope with both hands in 2019!
Shelbyrae, I just read your post and tried to reply directly but can’t seem to do that. But YES! In my own time with the Lord this morning, the word ‘hope’ was impressed on my mind as my ‘word for the year’. I then chose to begin this study today, and noted the message of hope. Then your comment to follow. Love how God shows up and guides us to where we need to be, on what we need to set our minds and hearts. My husband has been unemployed for nine years. The weight on my shoulders is very heavy as i struggle to just keep the bills paid…and see that retirement is not to be in my future. I have lost hope. But today. But today, this is where I’m landing. I must have hope. God will never abandon me. He knows our needs and always provides, and His timing is always perfect. I don’t need to understand why or why not. Just keep leaning into Him as my Provider, my Comforter, the lover of my soul. There is always hope.
I’ve always had this saying of “keep your hopes high and expectations low” in order to alleviate the pain of disappointment that may follow from a pursuit that I’m embarking on. I’m guilty of being a “Zechariah” when it comes to my response of the things unseen from God and my prayer is to turn my response into praise and wonderment of who God is in making what may seem impossible, possible!
Every year I try to pick a word for the year and this year I picked hope. Its definitely Gods hand that I decided to start this study today instead of a different one. This year I choose hope: hope that I will finish nursing school and get a job in my speciality. Hope that this year will bring new relationships. Hope that my walk with Jesus will grow stronger. Hope that I will be able to take a mission trip to wherever God sends me!Hope is powerful, especially when its hope rooted in Jesus!
“Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh the joys of those who take refuge in him!” Ps.34:8
I am looking to get into reading this year and praying to see God’s will if I draw close. I have been far from God. I hope to draw near in 2019.
“For nothing will be impossible with God.”
“Hold hope with open hands, believing the Lord…” my prayer today.
At first I felt 2018 ended pretty bad for me. I was unemployed so I felt the overwhelming stress on me because I was not able to contribute at home. But I was so focused on the negative and didn’t realize how God was present and never failed me. Its so easy to get wrapped up in the trials of our lives that its difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. God is that light. He is our Hope.
My word for the 2019 is Hope. I shall not lose hope for God is faithful and He has plan for my life and all your lives, a plan to prosper us and not harm us.
I would like to please ask for your prayers as I embark on searching for a job. I ask that you pray for clarity in making the right decisions for my life as I make a career change. God bless you all.
Chelsea, I have been struggling with anxiety and my brother has been fighting depression so I’ve been there, not exactly the same as your situation but I can relate to the struggles that come with mental illness. What I’ve found to be true, when nothing else seems sure, is that God is right there with me. He has reminded me many times that “never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” Even when it feels like he has, he reminds me of his truths. Keep clinging to him in the moments when there’s nothing else you can do. Cry out to him and let him know how you are feeling. He wants to hold you in that. Look at David in the Psalms. Praying for you in this new year!
Thank you so much Amarose ❤️
Resting in the promises of God can be scary place to abide in, especially when all we have to rely on are the things we can see. It’s not shocking that Zechariah questioned God’s promised in the manner that he did, since what he ‘saw’ (undoubtedly in the flesh) was the hurt of failed pregnancies and the aging of both him and his wife. One can argue that age perhaps had something to do with his response, the whole ‘older wiser’ cliche statement, signaling the lessons learned to that point.
My prayer for 2019 is to rest in the promise of God, as Mary did, in a ‘child-like’ manner. Not playing into what I can see but standing steadfast in my faith and the track record that God has already established in my life. Holding firmly onto the promises that He has already made to me, knowing that they cannot return to Him void.
This has been my daily battle… allowing past experiences and disappointments to hinder my faith and hope, but I must continue to rejoice and know that God has his plans
Just looking at the age difference between Mary and Zechariah, I totally understand him not wanting to get his hopes up, especially if they had been crushed in the past multiple times. I am trying to find the place where I live in hope and expectancy for God to fulfill His promises but when they aren’t answered not feel like I’m being crushed by a boulder. It’s a tough spot to be- however, I find focusing on God fulfilling the promises in His timeframe not mine helps.
I want for 2019 , to open my heart , mind & soul to unbridled Hope … in my life I never allowed Hope to reside in me . This is a year to trust Hope & welcome Hope .
Woah. Hope has been on my heart and mind as I enter into this year. I never thought about hope relating to Luke 1. What a start to this study, sisters. Can I encourage you all to check out The Bible Project videos? They have a great one on Luke and a word study on hope as well.
Lauren Ashley, your words feed my spirit. Yesterday the spirit came to me and gave me my word for 2019 and it is discipline. So I as 2019 begins in its infancy, I am praying for strength to be disciplined in every aspect of my life beginning most importantly with bible study and prayer.
As I enter this new year, I will strive to be more like Mary. I am pregnant, and will be having a baby girl in March! It will be my husband and I’s first child. Although I did not have a child in mind for “my plan” and “my future” I am reminded through this story that Mary is filled with hope and joy, when she was not expecting a baby at all! This reading and devotion is a great start to this year, and I am praying for God’s grace as I enter into this new world of motherhood.
Praying for you, Chelsea. You are not alone.
Each year, I choose a word to be “my word” for the year. I use it to shape my decisions and provide insights/connections as I walk through that calendar cycle. Last year, my word was “praise.” It was a much harder word to cling to than I thought it would be. Through many waves and valleys, I had to force myself to praise God, but through it, I learned the power of our praises. This year, my word is “begin.” I have such hope that promises and plans God has been building for me will begin to unfold, and I will begin to see things come to fruition which I have prayed and praised Him for in the years before. The readings today confirmed in my heart that it is okay to expect God to do amazing things, and it is okay to be hopeful about the promises He has given us. I struggle with feeling like I am not good enough or not ready enough to receive His blessings. Sometimes I think I need to be in exactly the right place in my life before God will be able to move me forward. But I’m beginning to realize that Mary wasn’t ready to be a mom, and it wasn’t the perfect time for Elizabeth and Zechariah either. In Jeremiah, the promise was for the Lord to be our actual righteousness–He makes us ready. He made Mary ready. We are righteous and ready for His promises because of who He is in us. Hannah’s triumphant prayer speaks to how God specializes in clothing “the feeble with strength,” giving children to the childless, and guarding “the steps of His faithful ones.” She reminds us that it is okay to pray for these bold things because the right time and place is wherever He is with us. As Andrea said, I pray that we have “unmanaged, unharnessed hope . . . in response to the promises of God.” I am excited to walk through this study with you all, and I am hopeful of what is to come.
I choose hope for 2019.
Me too. I’m currently writing and reading devotions and scripture on it. I just checked on the she reads truth app here to look at this study because someone I know is doing it, and what do you know. It’s on hope. Wow God moment.
Unmangaed and unharnessed hope…wow!
Hold on to hope for the end of the story!! ❤️
I struggle with suppressing that hope too much in my life and i believe that a lot of times that stems from my inability to give up control of my own life. If I believe that I am in control, then I think that somehow I can better control the outcome- and really I should know better by know!! God revealed himself in this passage in two very impactful ways to me, as a God who is capable of fulfilling any prayer (no matter how big or small or feasible it may seem on Earth), but He will only do this in His perfect timing. Zechariah and Elizabeth were both older and were past the normal childbearing years, but they had asked God to fulfill their pray for a child for years. He did fulfill this for them, but in a different stage of life then I am sure they expected. God holds no barriers of time or age and he holds no barriers in the magnitude of his miracles. Along with suppressing that hope, I tend to believe that some things on my heart are just too big to ask for in prayer. This could not be farther from the truth though. I pray that in this new year I learn to pray giant, crazy, massive prays and I learn to hope and look for the goodness of God without fear of failing. The hope I have in Him is not that He will give me an easy, perfect life, but that He will lead me in His path to prepare the way for Him- and with that view of hope, I can never fail.
Sometimes I stuck in thinking who am I asking God granted my hope? I am unworthy to do that, even my life already privilege, why still demanding God a lot. But at the same time I cant get rid the hope in my prayer. What do you think?
I loved this reading. It was perfect heading into 2019. I am praying that I find my hope in Jesus this year and in no other or any other worldly thing. I pray that I find myself asking, “how may this be?” Just like Mary!
I’ve just recently had my hopes crushed. I always hope high and I always hit hard. I don’t know how to not have high expectations. It’s a great thing to think about and I will. ❤️
Pregnant with our second baby after having a traumatic delivery with our first baby. I am so tempted to fear, to doubt, to be anxious and nervous but I will choose to hope! To praise God because He is worthy! Instead of doubting, I thank God for this new life and know that whatever happens in pregnancy and delivery that HE IS GOOD- HE IS ALWAYS GOOD! Overflowing with joy at the tenderness of our God and His power and might. May we all overflow with songs of praise to Him for who He is and what He has done!
I love how Elizabeth’s faith and fulfilled promise becomes a sign for Mary that God’s word is true! Our breakthrough isn’t just for ourselves, but for those that come after us as well!
Mmm I love this Cristin. It inspires me to have hope in my own breakthroughs!
This year, I want to have courage! Courage knowing that being in the center of the Lord’s will is the the safest place to be! Father, give me the faith and courage of this teenage girl. Help me to say “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be done to me according to Your word.”
The thing about attempting to harness hope is that it rarely really cushions the disappointment. It just robs us of the joy. I’ve battled this – tamping down hope and joy to hedge against what *may* happen and it’s no way to live! I’m going to love and hope BIG – now, in this moment, choosing gratitude and trust over fear!
♥
I like that term, hope management. I’m so guilty of praying for something then immediately following it with, “and if you choose not to do xyz, let me trust in you”. I always find an escape route just in case. Which now seems like lack of faith… Does anyone else do this without thinking?
Hi Tracy this is something I too struggled with. I’m finding it easier now for me to see things differently when I pray realizing everything is in the will of the Father for my life. He knows ultimately what my future holds and me realizing all is in His will helps me to trust and realize he has my future in His hands.
God is faithful and just!!! We need to Hope in Him even when times get tough. Great way to start the year. I hope I can hope like Mary so that I can fulfill His plans in my life and have faith in Him / His plans
Girl every day I put that clause in my prayers! This reading hit my heart bc I do lack trust when it comes to having unending trust and hope for what’s to come. I find my prayers ending with an additional request for hope that I can go on if I don’t get what i think I need! WOW! He knows the desires of our hearts and that hope is enough. Praying that we as sisters acknowledge that hope for it’s simple nature just as God gives us his unending grace. Happy New Year
Waiting 9 years to be a mom can wear a girl out and definitely cause the flame of hope to barely be a spark at times. I trusted God and knew His plan would always be better than mine. The journey was hard. It was worth it. My mom would always say “do not lose hope”. I’m thankful to have had her and others continually encourage me to seek and trust Him. And keep my hope in Him.
It’s so easy to let our free will and thinking stray from God’s plan and purpose for us. I, too, struggle with God’s plan for my own life. I was certain I would be a elementary school teacher until I retired. But, before my second child was born, I left that profession to be a stay at home mom. Since both of my children have been in school for a couple of years, I feel like I should go back to work. That is not God’s plan for me, though. I pray about it daily, and I am filled with the sense that this is what I am to be doing. So I praise God for all the time I get to spend with my children.
I want to live out hope like Mary in 2019! There is much for me to be grateful for but there are also a lot of areas where I know I need to trust and hope in God’s ability to do His will with intention and promise. This was a perfect passage to read going into the New Year!
Agree! ♥
So good!
I trust the Lord to fulfill His promises ! How great is He !
Dear Chelsea,
May the Lord give you hope this year. Hope in His love, that can sustain you. Hope that His good promises are for you. May He shower down upon you healing, patience, peace, and especially JOY.
My mom has had a lifetime struggle with depression. It’s hard to understand why some people receive healing in an instant and others seem to have to wait. The waiting is hard work! Yet, Chelsea, I pray that you will “see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living”.
This year, in 2019, Father, please lead Chelsea to the safe and quiet pastures she needs, beside quiet waters where you will restore her soul. Father, please give her a tangible sense of Your presence; may Your love be far-reaching in her heart and soul, and help her to know that You have a truly GOOD purpose for her life here in this world.
In Jesus’ name we ask this, Amen.
Bless you, sister!
Sky this was beyond helpful and encouraging, thank you so much!!
I love Mary’s prayer… and even though I’m not her…’”God took one good look at me, and look what happened— I’m the most fortunate woman on earth!’ He sent his son to earth as a baby, to live, to teach, to show us how to love each other, and to ultimately die on the cross for my sins…. We are the most fortunate women on earth!
I want to feel optimistic about the new year but each new year I have a resolution of “healing” from depression/anxiety and it feels like another year has passed and I haven’t made any progress. I feel like all the years are passing by and I just waste each one because although I do all the “right” things to move toward healing, I never seem to do any better. I know God can heal me and restore my life but I don’t know that I believe it… though I desperately want to. There hasn’t been a time in my life where I haven’t felt bad, so I just feel like at this point it will never change. I could use some prayer for hope and trust in God’s promises and healing. <3
Chelsea, I just stopped and prayed for you. I have had, and continue to fight, those same struggles. I encourage you to remain steadfast in the Lord, and take each day as it comes.
Thank you so much Michelle. It means so much to me for you to stop and spend the time to pray for me! I just said a prayer for you as well ❤️
Praying for you, Chelsea. Remember God’s promise that he will never leave you.
Just prayed for you, Chelsea. I’ve experienced rock bottom where I grasped for hope that I just couldn’t seem to find, and I’ve experienced life-changing, earth-shattering restoration where God proved who He is in mighty ways. It’s hard to be hopeful inside of hurting, but please be steadfast. You’ll definitely never regret it.
I made a note in my Bible next to Romans 4:18 that swapped my name for Abraham’s. It’s a nice, simple motivator for me.
“Against all hope, Erin (Chelsea) in hope believed.”
Adding that note to my bible right now. Thank you so much!!!
Chelsea, we are in the same boat sister! I believe that God will heal us day by day. I’m giving thanks for everyone in this community. Each of you are on my heart ❤️
“For nothing will be impossible with God” (Lk 1:37). God gave hope to this childless couple. He didn’t say that their childlessness was the result of unbelief or sin. Rather, He confirmed that they were blameless! Zechariah was in God’s presence. And God showed him favor. In the promise of His Son, who would bring hope to a lost world, God remembered this one couple and gave them the gift of a new life. What a beautiful picture of what was to come! ❤️
As the New Year approaches I hope to be more like Mary . To give my hopes and dreams to God without question
I pray that I can live this year and every year forward with an attitude like Mary’s. Hope beyond all reason and logic, believing in my heart of hearts that God is good and gracious. Today I have hope for God’s promises – He loves us and will come back for us!
Two people, each given a divine message from God.
Zechariah, a priest,
given the message that he and Elizabeth will have a son, and this son will be
a joy and delight
great in the sight of the Lord
filled with the holy spirit
he will turn the children of Israel back to God
he will have the spirit and power of Elijah
and turn the hearts of fathers to their children
the disobedient to understanding righteousness,
and make ready for the Lord a prepared people.
(This is the first time I comprehended how huge this promise was. Not just a child but, a child who would make a difference for the glory of God.)
Mary, a young virgin,
is told she will have a child
his name will be Jesus
He will be great
called the Son of the Most High
The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David
He will reign over the house of Jacob forever
his kingdom will have no end.
Both messages are spectacular in nature.
Zechariah doubts, Mary accepts.
I have found in my own life that my youth was very accepting, as Mary was,
but as I have aged, it is easier to doubt.
I wondered why that is?
Surely, time has shown me more fully what a great and powerful God I am blessed to serve.
I have more to look back on and praise Him for every day.
Then why do I doubt?
This message was from God,
THEREFORE, it could be fully trusted.
Maybe I am failing to distinguish between trust of a perfect Father’s promises
and trust in humanity.
I have been hurt when I trusted people.
Also, I am an elementary teacher.
I spend my day managing, and trying to harness energy in the right direction.
Letting “go” results in chaos.
But my Father doesn’t need me to manage, harness, or hold tightly because,
He. Is. ___________________
I can fill in the blank with absolutely anything good and He. Is. That.
May 2019 be a year where I learn to lay things down and spread my hands open,
trusting, always trusting
the One. Who. Is.
Though the coming days could be scary for me with a heart diagnosis I’m grateful for His faithful promises He showed to Z and E then to Mary. They were confused but He was faithful with his word. I stand here in confusion and nervous times…but I know He is with me and my family too. No matter the outcome. His promise is true.
One thing God has really laid on my heart lately is to trust the way my children trust. That pure, intangible trust where you don’t pick apart all the why’s and hows but simply just grab the hand of your Father and say “okay, lets go” without any hesitation. As we go into this new year, may we all trust deeper with less hesitation and expect the amazing plans that He has in store for us, let us not let the darker times in our lives harden our minds and hearts.
The internal struggles that I have had over 2018 made me question whether or not God would be faithful in His promises. I really needed to read this today, heading into 2019.
I too want to hold hope with open hands believing in the Lord. So blessed to be a part of this community of Sisters. Praying for each of you.
My soul praises, my soul magnifies the Lord. I pray we all have unmanaged hope and if we happen to puzzle ourself, God will help us in our confusion and bless us with answers ♡♡♡
I needed to read this today. I am choosing to go into 2019 with unmanaged and unharnessed hope!
I completely agree with you Becca. I have been afraid of hoping to high too.
I would like to highlight the differences between Mary and Zechariah in their response to the Good News brought forth by Gabriel. Mary reacted with a certain child-like ignorance with complete trust and belief. Whereas Zechariah was reserved and doubtful, as he probably had seen more hardship than Mary in his longer life. Despite this, though, the Lord still chose to bless them BOTH and continue forth with His plan. Sure, He punished Zechariah for his doubtfulness, but it ultimately didn’t change the course of God’s will.
I think about this in relation to myself, and my current phase in life with my husband. I try to remain hopeful and optimistic as Mary was, but can also feel doubtful and cautious like Zechariah. It is important to remember that it is okay to feel both ways! God will have His way as He has planned for us, and I must remain patient and trust in His will.
Great message. I am new to She Reads Truth and am excited to start on this journey of learning and faith.
Erin, I feel the same!! Today (and this year) I’m asking God to help me trust, asking, How can this be? Instead of, How can I know? He has already given us the What. Now I need to trust Him for the How.
With the end of this year closing in a few short hours, I reflect with the fact that I have lived like Zechariah. I’d gone through so many hardships that I’ve not wanted to get my hopes up over and over again to have them crushed. And when they were crushed, I became more distant from God. But, with this year coming I want to live like Mary. I want to be able to not set expectations and have my hopes crushed when they are not met, but to receive situations with curiosity and trust that whatever that comes into my path, will turn into a blessing and it IS of His good.
God makes good on his promises!
I’ve read this passage of scripture in Luke numerous times, comparing Zechariah’s question to Mary’s. But today, what stuck out to me was even after God silenced Zechariah because of his unbelief, he still gave him a son as promised. God’s faithfulness is one of my favorite qualities to meditate on. Even when I stray, even when I question, even when I just can’t see the way, He comes through in spite of me. “Let me at thy throne of mercy, find a sweet relief……kneeling there in deep contraction, help my unbelief!” So thankful!
As I was reading Andrea’s words, I felt the effect of age, too. Mary, with the wide-eyed hope that comes early in life and Zechariah’s somewhat cynical reaction to great news after years of dashed hopes is a great reminder that we should come to Him as children, right? This year I pray that I have more wide-eyed hope.
I recently dedicated my life to Jesus I had fallen away because of a lot of changes that were happening to fast. Lost now both of my parents and a failed marriage. Remarried and a new job as a team long distance truck driver with my new husband.
Welcome back, Rita. May God bless and encourage you as you walk with him.
I’m entering 2019 with more uncertainty than I have faced in years. A serious health concern has arisen. I have such hope in our God. He is who He says He is; I am who He says I am. He will not bring this test without purpose – for His glory and my good! I’m believing Him; Yet Father, help me in my unbelief! I don’t want to get caught up in what ifs and what might be, rather what is today and the grace to deal with what is the come – at that time, not borrow anxiety and worry now.
This new year I want to have hope, I also keep my hopes at a low because I don’t like being disappointed, I plan on bringing in the new year with my bible in hand and full of hopes and dreams for what my future will hold.
And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The LORD is our righteousness.’
Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
1 Corinthians 1:30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,
Thank you Lord! You are our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. You are holy. Blessed be your name.
I do have hope in amazing-mind blowing God. Which is why 2019 will be a year of bravery for me.
I was so happy to read this! I was just thinking I want 2019 to be a year of courage!
I just realized in reading today’s devotion, how our hope tends to change with age. Just like Andrea said, after many life experiences of having different hopes dashed, or changed, I too find I am much more reserved in my expectations. Always trying to make the landing softer, even teaching my children to adjust their expectations so as to soften their blows if the outcome they had desired does not happen. I am in my upper 40’s, wanting a career change, feeling burned out, and even tho my husband and I have been praying for a change – we both voice fears of looking and searching out new careers because now we have two teen children who we need to consider. It is not just about us anymore. As I read other comments this morning about new careers, babies on the way, etc. I realize that I used to be filled with much more “wide eyed” hope and trust that all would work out. Ready to take a risk and trust all would be well. Now, I calculate the cost much more. Not a bad thing, but at the same time, I miss the “ready for anything” and blind trust that all would work out. Mary’s response to the angel and Zechariah’s response, does make me relate more to Zechariah and Elizabeth. Hmmm…just makes me ponder I guess..
I’ve always struggled with trust – in people and God – and I want to pray and wait in expectation with the heart that Mary had in 2019: the “type of unmanaged, unharnessed hope” in response to the promises of God.
Even though I knew from past experience what it’s like to have God work when I completely surrender, there were other areas that I’ve guarded my heart against disappointment after years of prayers in personal and family issues. Wondering if this was the thorn God placed in my life and was just going to say “my Grace is sufficient for you,” my whole life. Every time there was a high, I felt like I was in a roller coaster bracing myself for the low that was to follow. Instead, I want respond differently in the upcoming year. I am very afraid, of letting my heart bare raw with such hope again, but perhaps I didn’t receive “yet” because I asked and had not believed. Thank you for helping me start 2019 with hope.
2019 holds many hopes for my husband and I as we take steps towards new careers and starting a family. There have been moments of trying to keep my hope at a “safe” level so that if I don’t get a call back for that dream job I won’t be so disappointed and if we don’t conceive as planned it won’t hurt quite as bad. This passage opens my eyes and reminds to to keep praying and giving our future to God and even though I keep telling Him I trust Him I need to show Him I trust in Him by allowing myself to have hope and to praise Him no matter the circumstances. This will take courage and strength and I pray God will help me as I boldly have hope and trust in Him for what is to come.
I’m using Mary’s words to guide my year this year. I’m a servant of the Lord, may it be to me according to God’s Word
❤️
This is so timely. I had my hopes up going to move to Costa Rica to teach and I thought I heard so clearly from God that I was supposed to go. Over the last few months, my anxiety has been getting worse and finally over Christmas I decided that it wasn’t just going to get better and I needed to get some help. Unfortunately that meant cancelling my plans to Costa Rica. It’s so tempting now to just stuff my dreams down and resign myself to the mundane and the ordinary, to manage my hope so I won’t be disappointed again. But God…I know he has more for me and even in this time of what seems like plans turned upside down, God is turning them rightside up for his glory. I don’t know how and can’t see that now, but I trust that someday I will understand, whether that day is on earth or in heaven.
These words reflect the type of unmanaged, unharnessed hope I want to have in response to the promises of God. Instead of reserving my hope, smothering it, not letting it get too high, I want to hold hope with open hands, believing the Lord will do what He says, that He will make good on His promise to save.
What I have that Mary didn’t at this point in her life is the end of the story. I know God made good on His promise to save. When that is where my hope lies, I cannot be not disappointed, and instead, I can declare:
“The Mighty One has done great things for me, and His name is holy.
His mercy is from generation to generation” (vv.49–50).
Oh Andrea, the Lord is speaking to me through you. A thousand thanks for this devotional this morning. I am Zechariah; God has given me a promise, says it is coming, yet I have unbelief from dashed hopes. I totally relate to not getting my hopes up too high, so the fall won’t hurt as bad. God, I believe please help my unbelief!
Wow. Powerful start to the story. I love the way Luke writes in a way that states the facts but he doesn’t leave out any of true miraculous. To him, miracles are facts. I wish more people could see that. I hope this study reaches many people!
He is our hope! I want to walk into 2019 with the same joyful acceptance + expectancy that Mary had. I want to have my ears just as open to His word, feet just as ready to go where He calls, and my mouth just as open to praise Him. Let’s do this!
As I was reading this passage I thought, “I wish an angel would visit me and speak to me like he did to Mary so I would know His will for me.” And then I realized… God has given me His word and His Holy Spirit to do that!! How blessed are we that we have these gifts!!! Praying that my eyes would be open to what God had for me in this coming year through the reading of His word and listening to the Holy Spirit.
“My soul praises the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” May my soul be filled with the joy of the Lord! I’m absolutely blessed by many of your comments sisters. Thank you!
I am due with my first baby in 5 days (!!) and just quit my full time job to build my own business. In my heart I know it was the right choice to leave my job that was no longer fulfilling, but financially it’s a big stretch for my husband and I. I am so hopeful and excited for the new year and to meet my baby, but i do find myself having fears and doubts of all the unknown/changes. God is speaking to me this morning! He has not failed me yet and will not now! Let me praise him like Mary did. Even though I basically have no idea what this next chapter will bring me (or frankly, how we will make ends meet in the next few months), I am ready! Happy New Year everyone!
Congratulations! I pray God will provide for you and your family as you boldly start your own business. I pray for courage, perseverance, and blessings on your new adventure.
Congratulations Gracie! God has a plan for your family and you just have to follow your heart. Enjoy your sweet new babe and take everything one day at a time❤️
OH MY GOODNESS.
Each time an angel appeared, one of the first things said is “Do not be afraid”. Because even the most magnificent of creations is hard to bear.
Life is so easy to get excited about and have high expectations of, but the only true expectation is that trust we have in the Lord. The plans that we have for ourselves and expect Him to support, may not be the greater place He has for us. I have a purpose, I have a family, I am loved. The God who burns chariots with fire, but shows how gentle he is through something like a baby; he’s on MY side. ❤️ So good ladies!
To Becky K, I see you as part of God’s provision for your friend… having a friend to give godly encouragement during this hard journey of her marriage. To remind her of God’s abiding love for her… reminds me of Stu Garrard’s work “Words From the Hill,” about the Beatitudes, in which he emphasizes the blessing of God’s presence.
2019 is such a year of hope for me. In past years I’ve always had resolutions and goals, but they were close-ended, if that makes sense. It was always that I would try really hard to achieve that goal, and that was as far as I could see. But I never did actually attain my goals and resolutions like that.
This year is different. I’ve learned so much about trusting God and how He works out His plans in my life. Instead of making my own goals, I’m waiting expectantly to see what God will do with me. There are a lot of questions up in the air right now – including whether my husband is going to be downsized this month (our sole source of income) – but I’m not afraid of those things anymore. I know now that God will take care of us, and that God is all I really want.
I pray all of you have a wonderful 2019, ladies :)
I struggle with aligning my hopes with Gods will. Lately I find myself hoping and wanting things that maybe aren’t according to his plan for me and yet I can’t help dreaming that they happen.
Guilty here, Andrea, of the “hope management” of which you speak. Ouch.
Oh to be like Mary and react with praise when puzzled about God’s plan. Or to proclaim as Zechariah did, that “He has given us the privilege, since we have been rescued from the hands of our enemies, to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness in his presence all our days.” The challenge when faced with uncertainty is to praise Him for the privilege to serve Him right there in the midst of the uncertainty. It may seem uncertain and unclear to me but not so to God. He has the blueprint and He knows exactly what he’s doing. Hope is never misplaced when it is in Him. I needed this reminder today.
I sure need this reminder also. Going into the new year with a cancer diagnosis can make that seem difficult, but I am trusting the Lord that His will be done and He be glorified. I am hoping for that day when there are no more diagnoses like this and there is a new heaven and new earth.
Father, I pray Your strength and comfort over my life and the lives of my family as we head into uncharted for us territories. I do ask for a but or comfort, as I’m in quite a bit of discomfort, but even more so, I ask for Your Light to shine amidst dark days, so that all can see it.
Tricia, I too faced a January with a grim cancer diagnosis a few years ago. Our amazing God brought me through and by his Grace I am still here with a heart filled with hope, even as treatments continue…You see, I wasn’t close with our God. I’d ignored him for a very long time but his mercy and love were right there waiting for me. Through those darkest days and longest of wide awake nights he never left me. I view my cancer as a blessing now, a chance in a very awful place to see and recognise the small things in each day that ordinarily we walk on by. Dear Lord, stay close to Tricia, lift her up and carry her through the difficult days ahead. May her trust in you never waiver, may she stay positive and strengthened by your love for her. Amen. God’s got you Tricia, stay strong and rest in your body and soul in his presence.
I am trying to have unmanaged hope in the promises of God today. My dear friend is married to a man who hurts her heart. What are God’s promises for her? I don’t know how to encourage her in something that seems hopeless (a change in character for her husband). God promises to never leave her or forsake her. He does not promise to heal her marriage, I guess….but I hope and pray for that for her.
Unmanaged, unharnessed hope!! What a wonderful way to begin a new year. Happy New Year, sweet sisters!
“… the dawn from on high will visit us to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” – Luke 1:78-79.
The dawn is Jesus? Jesus, the holy dawn from on high, will light our darkness and guide our footsteps. May we remember His mercy and His presence every morning. The sun falls and the world is left in the dark, but after a few hours, the sun returns with the dawn. It’s amazing to me how the earth re-enacts the gospel everyday. I know I tend to move about my day and just take it for granted that the light is dwelling among us, but God, every single day, reminds us of his faithfulness, of his Son who came to a broken world, died, and rose again with a new day.
Praise his name. I hope I’ll always remember the gospel in every sunrise. Amen.
This makes me think of, “A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new glorious morn ….” Now I know where that comes from!
I was struck by this verse as well! Thanks for sharing!
Amen! Beautiful, Josie!
I love this: “I want to hold hope with open hands, believing the Lord will do what He says, that He will make good on His promise to save.”
Lord, help me change my response in seasons of not knowing, to opportunities to hope. Change the position of my heart from asking how I can know to trusting you and asking, How can this be?
Hope is confidence in what I believe. My confidence must be in Jesus Christ. Hope is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Hope compels us/me to take action to obey. Is Jesus truly my/our hope?
As I enter this New Year, may I be like Mary having “unmanaged, unharnessed hope in response to the promises of God. May I hold hope with open hands, believing the Lord will do what He says, that He will make good on His promise to save.”
Amen!!!!!
Yes and yes!
Amen! Praying this along with you for your year and mine!
Yes!! I totally agree!
Amen!
So good. I want to add, may I wait and listen to God and remember it’s my timing but his alone and it is good!
Amen ! May we all
The Lord is our righteousness!
Today’s scriptures are full of glorious promises and truth-tellings.
May God grant us all the spirit and power of Elijah!
May the Righteous Branch of David be praised!
Happy New Year! God is on the move! Thanks be to God!
Happy New Year, everyone!!! I can hardly wait to see what God will do in 2019. He is on the move and ; because of His timeless nature, He stands beside us now and patiently awaits us in all of our tomorrows. Since He’s there in 2019 waiting for us, we know we’ll be more than alright and we’ll be welcomed into the arms of goodness and love. He will do a new thing. So, on today, this New Year’s Eve, I marvel at His goodness and faithfulness and hope expectantly for what He will do in 2019.
Saturday… I was not disappointed! I was singing praising and thanking God for the arrival of the day that He had ordained to be my friends wedding day..!
I was not disappointed at the church, because the place was filled with His presence.. the Holy Spirit present in the order of service from beginning to end.. a beautiful day given to us by a God who promises and keeps His promises..
Of course the journey to this day has not always been smooth or gone according to plan… (who’s plan, I ask now)
But God…
He has always been in the mix.. always present whether we’ve known it or believed it. He has orchestrated through His Word and promise that this day would come, no matter the ups and downs.. the twists and turns, and it did,in a great and beautiful splendour filled with His blessing and love…
My soul truly praises the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God our Savior…
Thank you Lord God.. thank you..❤
As I now wait for news of the arrival of my nephew.. my sister in law has been in labour since Sat.. ouch..!
My soul is still praising in a joy filled hope of the gift to come into our fsmily, in the form of my nephew.. I know God is in the mix and that this Little guy will be here soon by God’s Grace..
God is good ALL the time..ALL the time God is Good..
Amen..
Praising God for this new day and every wonderful, beautiful, awesome God moment in it to come..
ALL praise Lord God ALL praise..
Amen..❤
Happy Monday my beautiful sisters in Christ.. love wrapped hugs coming your way!
This is a good message of hope. My church had a guest speaker with a healing, hopeful message too. Here is a link. https://livestream.com/accounts/15306138/events/8505765
Thank You for being a faithful, loving God that never leaves us or forsakes us! Thank You, Jesus for Your finished, saving, loving, unmatchable sacrifice on the Cross. Let us more in love and awe if You each day and lead people to want the joy and hope we have which leads them to You now and for eternity’ in Jesus’ Powerful Name Amen!
If the link doesn’t work, go to MAOG.org and hit the three lines on right hand side. Hit watch live and it will take you to the livestream website. Click on yesterday’s service.