The Thrill of Hope: Waiting in Hope
Sunday, November 29
Mark Pedrin
On this first Sunday of the Advent season, we’ll draw lessons from the life of the prophet Jeremiah of what it can look like to Wait in Hope.
Waiting in Hope means…
- Being honest (Lamentations 3:1-8, 17-18)
Where could you grow in being honest with yourself, with God, and with other people? - Holding onto God’s promises (Jeremiah 29:10-13)
What words and promises of God can you hold onto when everything around you is shaken? - Persevering through the tough times (Jeremiah 38:4-6, Lamentations 3:19-26)
Jeremiah in the mud, at the bottom of a well, in a city under siege. “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” What does it look like for you to persevere today? - Doing what you can (Jeremiah 38:7-10)
Ebed-Melek did what he could, in spite of the reasons not to help. Whose prayer might you be the answer to this coming week?
Practical next steps:
- Make a plan to spend regular time in God’s Word. Try out a YouVersion app reading plan for Christmas.
- Consider keeping a journal, either a personal journal or a journal of God’s promises from the Bible. Share honestly with someone.
- Persevere: “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.”
- Have your eyes open for ways you can help someone else feel the Thrill of Hope this season.
Benediction:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. -Romans 15:13