Hope

Christmas is a holiday full of hopes - hopes of family reconciliations, hopes of picture-perfect celebrations, hopes of getting certain presents. Some of our hopes are fulfilled; others are not. But hoping in God is always a sure bet; people will let us down, but He never will. Let's look at what the word of God has to say about hope.

Today's message is facing dead hopes.
There are a lot of people who struggle this time of year. This is a time of incredible hope, incredible joy, promises, and yet, at a time like this, we are kind of reminded in a fresh and painful way at the many things that aren't moving in our lives, things in our personal lives, things in families, families that are separated because of war or because of tensions within the family, problems with our job.
In a time like that we have to think about what does it mean to hope in God when we are facing these struggles and difficulties?
And so today, we are going to be looking at Zechariah and Elizabeth. I want to read to you just one little small verse about them. It says in Chapter 1 (the angel is talking to Zechariah).
"But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John."
Zechariah was the father of John the Baptist, and husband of Elizabeth. He was a priest belonging to the order of Abijah. While he was offering incense in the Temple, the angel Gabriel appeared to him, and told him that his wife Elizabeth who had been barren for many years would give birth to a son, and the son's name would be John. Zechariah, who was an old man, did not believe the angel, and because of his disbelief, was struck dumb unable to speak, until the prophecy was fulfilled.
With the events leading up to Jesus birth can be summarized by the words “God can do anything”.
Hope is not what you expect; it is what you would never dream. It is a wild, improbable tale with a pinch- me- I’m dreaming ending.
Hope is not a granted wish or favor performed: no it is far greater than that.
Sometimes we feel there is no hope. But with God there is always hope. Remember, He has unlimited resources. He can see what we can't. With Him truly nothing is impossible.
God Understands
Matt 26:38 Then He said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me." (NASB)
Did you ever feel like your world had just ended. I know I have. And if you haven't, well you just haven't lived long enough yet.
Jesus was facing the most terrible moment in history. He was approaching the time when, as He bore the sin of the world, the Father would turn His back on Jesus.
From before the beginning of time the Son and the Father had been in perfect fellowship - never apart - and that was about to change.
If you have ever lost a close relative or friend, if you have ever been punished for something you had not done, then Jesus has walked that path and understands. Jesus suffered the loss of his friend Lazerus.
He went without food and drink and was tempted beyond our understanding. His authority was questioned by those who had authority in name only. And, He took the punishment for each of our debt of sin.
There are many who are dealing with very difficult circumstances. If you are one of them and feel that no one can possibly understand your pain, then know three things.
First, there is no situation that God is not in control. He may indeed have you where you are for a reason.
Second, He loves you. The Lord will not forsake you.
Third, He knows exactly where you are and how you feel because He has suffered the same trials and temptations you are dealing with today.
Heb 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. (NASB)
This is an amazing truth for all of us to take to heart. The Creator of the Universe somehow put on our humanity and frailty to win us back from eternal punishment.
And, in the process, walked the same paths we walk every day and experienced all the joys and sorrows we experience. We can bring everything from a skinned knee to a crushed and broken heart to Him and He understands.
Romans 15:13 (New Living Translation)
13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
What are your greatest dreams? Remember, God can do anything, and he loves to fulfill dreams. Ask God to show you what he wants you to do, and then ask him for the power and courage to do it.
Luke 1:30-38 (New Century Version)
30 The angel said to her, "Don't be afraid, Mary; God has shown you his grace.31 Listen! You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of King David, his ancestor.33 He will rule over the people of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will never end."
34 Mary said to the angel, "How will this happen since I am a virgin?"
35 The angel said to Mary, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you. For this reason the baby will be holy and will be called the Son of God.36 Now Elizabeth, your relative, is also pregnant with a son though she is very old. Everyone thought she could not have a baby, but she has been pregnant for six months.37 God can do anything!"
38 Mary said, "I am the servant of the Lord. Let this happen to me as you say!" Then the angel went away.
When you say a situation or a person is hopeless, you are slamming the door in the face of God.”