Author: Kayla Guerzini
“The day will come,” says the Lord, “when I will do for Israel and Judah all the good things I have promised them.” Jeremiah 33:14 (NLT)
I love when scripture nudges me, inviting me to think a new way or take on a challenge. This passage from Jeremiah gave me not just one challenge, but two.
In this passage, God speaks through Jeremiah to those who are weary and waiting. Israel and Judah were facing loss, despair and uncertainty, and yet God reminds them of the promise of restoration. I love that this is a clear declaration: “I will do what I have promised.” Oftentimes we place our hope in the promises of the world or other people only to be let down. But God’s promises are not empty words; they are anchored in His unchanging character. That assurance is the foundation of our hope. Hope in God is not fragile optimism or wishful thinking but rather confidence that He will be faithful to complete what He began.
When we feel broken, discouraged, or uncertain, this same promise of good things still speaks to us. He has already fulfilled an amazing promise through the gift of a Savior. The birth of Jesus is proof that God keeps His word. As we are in the season of Advent, remember that hope is not passive. It is trusting actively in a God who is trustworthy.
This is challenge number one: placing hope not in circumstances, the world, or even ourselves, but in the One who has already proven faithful.
Challenge number two might stretch you a little. God uses Jeremiah to deliver this message of hope to His people. (Reminder – Israel and Judah were in a period of suffering). I can almost guarantee that there is someone in your life today that could use a message of hope. Maybe they’re simply having a hard week or are in a season of struggle. How can you be the one that reminds them this Christmas season that there is a God who we all can place our hope in. That His goodness is unshakable, His promises are true and his timing is perfect.
“The day will come,” says the Lord, “when I will do for Israel and Judah all the good things I have promised them.” Jeremiah 33:14 (NLT)
Challenge number two: spread the message of hope to those around you.
So as we journey through Advent, may we challenge ourselves to place our hope firmly in God’s faithfulness and courageously share that same hope with those who need it most.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for being faithful to Your promises. Remind us to place our hope in You for You are the one who has promised us good things. We lift up those around us that could use a message of hope this Christmas season. Place moments in front of us to share Your goodness with them. As we look toward celebrating the coming of Christ, remind us that Your timing is perfect and that You are always working for our good. Amen.
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