May | Hope
Hope is an expectation or belief in the fulfillment of something desired.
To have trust or confidence in someone; especially in regard to the future.
Grounds for feeling hopeful about the future; especially concerning specific, future events.
Valuable Verses
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
“But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.” Hebrews 6:19
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (25 in 25 Verse)
A Word of Encouragement
Have you ever heard the idiom “on a wing and a prayer?” This popular phrase came about in World War II, and was used when a damaged aircraft was praying for a safe landing. The hope of a safe landing was being founded on prayer and what was left of the plane! When we are flying through life and feel like we are taking far too many hits, we find ourselves needing to rely on something outside of ourselves for a safe landing. That is when our hope in something, or rather someone, far greater than ourselves becomes a vital part of our Christian life. When the stresses of life, attacks from the enemy, and overwhelming circumstances make it seem like we aren’t going to make it through, knowing that our God has secured us with an eternal hope becomes the one thing to which we can cling! When we are founded in this hope, we can share that hope with others, letting them know how they too can land safely!
Get the Conversation Going
Take a moment to discuss these questions as a family:
• Have you ever experienced a time when life felt overwhelming, like you were struggling to "land safely"? How did you respond at that moment?
• What does it mean to place our hope in God rather than in our own strength? Can you think of a Bible verse that reminds us of this truth?
• Why do you think God allows us to go through difficult times? How can those experiences help us grow in our faith?
• How can we share our hope in Jesus with others who might feel like they are struggling or barely holding on?
• As a family, what are some practical ways we can remind each other to trust God when life feels uncertain or difficult?
Gospel Connection
Sin separates us from God and there is nothing we can do to restore that relationship on our own–we are hopeless! Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, we have restored hope because God has reconciled our relationship with Him.
Be sure to check the monthly activity page for age-appropriate ideas and ways to practice hope.
