Hope Will Lead The Way...

In times of great challenge, we need to be reminded God is with us.
People of great faith believe He will take care of our needs, even in the midst of wonder and despair.

As the Christmas Season approaches, we consider the young woman who faithfully trusted God had purpose for her life. When the Angel Gabriel told Mary she would carry God’s son, her life was forever changed by the message he shared.

God chose Mary, knowing her heart. He believed she would be the best mother for Jesus. He gave her the tremendous responsibility of carrying forth His Son, and prepared her heart to accept His will. 

Mary must have been frightened and weary as God revealed His plan for her life. But, she faithfully responded, knowing God would prepare her to deliver His Son. “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be as you have said.” Luke 1:38 

Even in the most confusing circumstances, God can prepare us to discover how to serve Him. He opens our hearts to embrace what has been missing. Then, He guides us to the place where HOPE leads the way, and moves us in the direction He has called us to go.
 
Hope is something we need. It is defined as "the desire and search for a good future". It would have been easy for Mary to reject the will of God , but she was faithful to believe He would provide for her needs. And, she was hopeful she would travel in His peace. Mary journeyed to Bethlehem, trusting the One who had sent her.

God longs for us to acknowledge His presence in our lives, as we travel with Him. He loves us, and patiently prepares us to love Him with a servant’s heart of hope. God wants us to understand He has called us to do great things, and He simply wants us to do them. He gives strength to fulfill His great purpose for our lives, and provides opportunities for us to trust we will be blessed .

As we embrace this season of hope, we recognize God took care of Mary, and He will take care of us. He will pull us from our ordinary lives of wonder and helps us learn to find hope along the way.  But, we must allow Him to lead us, and be willing to understand what it means to totally trust in the One who will surely deliver us where He has already chosen for us to arrive.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for this season of love. Thank you for sending your Son to this world. Help us remember You are in control of our days. Open our hearts to your will, and prepare us for your greatness. Teach us to serve you, even in our weakness. Our hope comes from You alone. We will faithfully trust in You as you prepare us for great things. Amen
"Take courage and be stouthearted, all you who hope in the Lord." (Psalm 31:25)

God is near and HE loves YOU,
Nan






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