We’ve got your daily encouragement, written by Polly Barcol.
Bible Reading:
Hebrews 11:11
“By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised.”
Word:
Are you in an unexpected situation? I think we all have experienced disappointment, frustration, or loss this past year. No one could have predicted what 2020 would bring. It can be hard to have hope that things will be better or different.
Not only is it hard, but often times we don’t want to hope because we don’t want to be disappointed yet again. I’m so guilty of trying to protect my heart and prevent hurt in the future. I know it is impossible, but I find myself trying to predict and control.
I believe, this is because I am hoping in a certain outcome, in perfect circumstances. When we put our hope in things turning out a certain way, we are always susceptible to disappointment. We see stories like Sarah’s in Hebrews 11:11, and we think we have to hope in a miracle.
Don’t get me wrong, obviously miracles happen, just like with Sarah. However, I believe the hope must be in a person not an outcome. Even when we receive a promise from God, Himself, it often plays out different than we expect. The promise may come in a different way or take longer. And we can even limit God with our expectations and hope in a specific outcome.
We have to consider the question, “Can God be trusted?” If He is faithful to us just like He was with Sarah, we can trust Him. It is about who He is, not what happens. Let’s put our hope in the PROMISER, not the promise! And watch with eager expectation as He surprises us with an awesome unfolding of His purposes!
Prayer:
Lord, I pray that I would not put more hope in the outcome I want than in You. May I not limit You but trust You! In Jesus Name. Amen!
Skillwork:
As you go into this new year, ask yourself what you are hoping will happen. Then, ask Jesus what He is hoping for. Compare notes.
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