Advent 2016 – Week 1 Reflection

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advent-1Week 1 – Faith

Scripture Verses

“Wait for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait for the LORD” (Psalm 27:14).

“Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.” —Hebrews 11:6

What’s the longest you’ve had to wait for something?

We expect everything to be at our fingertips the moment we have the desire for it. Yet God finds ways of making us wait.

Waiting and faith go hand-in-hand. Waiting is the embodiment of faith.

In Hebrews 11:13 we are reminded that faith involves trust in God’s promise even if the promises of God are fulfilled long after we’re gone. The writer says, “These all died in faith without having received the promises, but they saw them from a distance …” (Emphasis added.)

We are asked to remain faithful in our waiting

Advent is about faith and waiting.

What are you waiting on God for this year?

Remember the years of silence as God’s people waited for the Messiah.

Take time today, to reflect on the fact that God’s timing is quite different from ours.

The story of Jesus’ birth gives us assurance and joy because even though the waiting lingered for decades, God broke through at just the right time.

Are you struggling with a lack of faith?

Jesus encouraged his frustrated followers this way: “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20).

Most of us try to grow a forest in one day. Jesus, however, invites you to begin with a tiny seed. Watch it grow and wait for it to become all that you dreamed it would be.

Are you willing to plant faith and wait upon God?

Nothing seems to be appearing on the horizon today, but just wait! God always keeps his promises, even to those who have little faith. Just wait.

This week:-

Share with a friend or family member something you are waiting for.

Encourage someone you know who is weary of waiting. Remind them of God’s promises.

Take inventory of your relationship with God. Are you struggling with His silence?

Daily prayer for this week:

Lord, I remember the years of waiting for a Messiah. I’m often impatient with my life. Please teach me to enjoy You and not just the blessings I see in Your hands. Fill my days with laughter and joy through hardship and uncertainty. Remind me that when I think I’m waiting for an eternity, it really isn’t. Life on this earth is infinitesimally smaller than a second in the light of true eternity.

 


Comments

One response to “Advent 2016 – Week 1 Reflection”

  1. Kathy Liljekvist avatar
    Kathy Liljekvist

    Very nice, thank you.

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