Advent Day 2: Hope Does Not Disappoint

Day 2: Hope Does Not Disappoint
A selection from 25 Days of Hope 2020, adapted 2024

Paul writes that trials produce perseverance, and perseverance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint (Romans 5).

What brings on weariness more than disappointment? I must admit. I’ve struggled with the idea that hope doesn’t disappoint. Life has letdowns. So how do we reconcile this truth in God’s word with the reality we face?

I’m learning that when we hope in God, the heartache we experience in life is fleeting. Trials are temporary. Hope in God means there is something trustworthy, more trustworthy than pain and disappointment.

Hope relieves the weariness. It points us to the eternal, to Jesus, who is holding everything together (Colossians 1).

Daily Reading:
Romans 5:1-11
…character produces Hope, and hope does not disappoint, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

John 16:25-33
In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

Declaration:
Jesus, as we celebrate your birth and prepare for your return, we thank you for producing hope in us through your Spirit. You overcome the world and we choose to persevere with you.