The Thrill of Hope

December 22, 2014

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

1. BECAUSE OF JESUS, YOU HAVE GREAT WORTH. So many people deal with feelings of worthlessness, but Jesus was willing to sacrifice to pay the price for your redemption. You are worth the Blood of Jesus; your life is worthwhile.

2. BECAUSE OF JESUS, YOU HAVE HELP. God has answers corresponding to all the problems you face. Not only are you a survivor, but you are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37). The ridiculous challenges you are encountering now won’t even be worth comparing to the amazing breakthrough and testimony you will have on the other side of the battle.

For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison. 2 Corinthians 4:17

3. BECAUSE OF JESUS, YOU HAVE HOPE. You don’t have to lose heart. Jesus is the Light shining in the darkness and He also has shone in your life (2 Corinthians 4:6). The next time you watch the news or encounter dark circumstances in your own life, speak God’s Word over the situation. If you feel like you have a broken spirit, spend some time in praise and worship.

This Christmas, pray this prayer:
God, I trust You. I refuse to fall into the traps of worry and strife this holiday season. So now I take my eyes off the circumstances and people around me and instead look to You (2 Corinthians 4:18). I thank You that You provide all my needs according to Your riches in glory in Christ Jesus. This will be my best Christmas yet. I love You, Jesus!

            O Holy Night!
            The stars are brightly shining
            It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
            Long lay the world in sin and error pining
            Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
            A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
            For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
            –Words by John Sullivan Dwight

Merry Christmas!
Pastor Jeff Perry

Copyright © 2014 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.