The Thrill of Hope

​The thrill of hope…..

It was 10 years ago that we found ourselves exhausted, confused and worried about our son, Judah. He was put in NICU shortly after he was born due to respiratory issues.

I will never forget the day after a grueling few days and I snapped this picture.
At the time, I didn’t see the significance or the hope or the promise.
But when I went back to look at the picture was the cross in the lights. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.
I went around to the other stations as I thought it would be seen in the others, but it wasn’t there.

A thrill of hope.

A reminder of God’s faithfulness in the midst of hard circumstances.

A promise to hold on that on this side of heaven or actually in heaven, Judah was going to be ok.

My faith moved that day. A thrill of hope overcame my circumstances.

Mary faced even more dire circumstances in that the news se received was shattering as the consequences of pregnancy out of wedlock was punishable by stoning and even death.

I can’t imagine the feelings that went through her head and heart.

The thing is though she didn’t stay and believe the feelings, but she immediately submitted, “Behold, I am a servant of the Lord; may it be done according to your word.”

Her anxiety turned to submission and her submission turned to obedience.

And her obedience turned to praise as we see in Luke 1:46-55. It’s a model for us when we find ourselves in difficult circumstances.

This praise wasn’t just words she spoke but came from the depth of her soul.

This praise wasn’t just a token word , but was a lifestyle lived as much of this prayer is from Scripture. She was not a novice when it came to her faith.

This praise came from an understanding that she needed a Savior-Yes, the mother of Mary, needed Salvation. She rejoiced in God HER Savior.

This praise came from remembering God’s faithfulness in the Old Testament. She recalled the great things He had done for her.
This praise came from an understanding that God is holy. There was such a reverent fear and awe that she had.
She heard. She submitted. She obeyed. She praised.

What an incredible model for us to worship this week. What an incredible model for us to follow when we face difficult circumstances.

What an incredible Savior we serve who is our hope.

This thrill of hope is knowing that Immanuel resides within us.
This thrill of hope is knowing that He has come to seek, save and redeem!
This thrill of hope is knowing the world is not our home and just as Jesus came to live here temporarily, so do we.

May you experience this thrill of hope found only in Jesus!!!
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“Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭5:2-5‬