Advent with Pressed Olives: Day 4

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“Not only so, but also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s lover has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

Romans 5: 3-4

When God justifies people (declares them to be righteous) he brings them into a relationship of peace with himself. In God’s grace he accepts them into his holy presence and assures them of one day sharing his glory.

If that is not Hope – I don’t know what is!⭐️

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

Romans 12:12

Believers’ anticipation of future glory is what the Bible calls hope. This type of hope is not the hope we normally think of – Hope for a new job or hope for a new car. This is not a mere wish for something, but the expectation of something that is certain, something promised by God.

This assurance gives us the ability to persevere through difficulties and with that process develop our Christian character.

We know Jesus said “In this world we will have tribulation, but take heart, I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 💜

The hope that Jesus offers us is more than we can comprehend. The eternal blessing that is waiting for us can see us through any tribulation because we know what awaits us in heaven.

“As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”

James 5: 11

As we are in this first week on Advent let us keep in mind the Hope we have in Jesus. The hope that comes with the impending birth of Jesus. The one who is being sent as the minister of Hope to save us all.

“I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way – a voice of one calling in the wilderness, Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.”

Mark 1: 1-3

Father, help me to press into the hope you have for me this season. To pause and reflect on a hope that does not come from man or ourselves. But the hope that only comes from you. Jesus died for all so that the hope of our Lord would always be with us. Help me to never take that blessing and sacrifice for granted. In Jesus name I pray, Amen