“The Power of Hope for Difficult Circumstances”

Lead Pastor, Stephen Macaluso

 

Now that same day two of the them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.  They were talking with each other about everything that had happened…but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.  And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.           Luke 24:13, 14 & 24

 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.          Romans 15:13

         

 

Because God is Always With Me...

 

1. His presence is always available to me  

 

Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you...The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.               Deuteronomy 31:6, 8

 

I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.  Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.                    Lamentations 3:20-23

 

 

2.  His purpose is always at work for me  

 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.         Romans 8:28

 

...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.            Philippians 1:6

 

3. His place is always awaiting me

     

“Don’t be troubled.  You trust God, now trust in Me. There are many rooms in my Father’s home, and I am going to prepare a place for you.  If this were not so, I would tell you plainly.” John 14:1, 2 (NLT)

 

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...    1 Peter 1:3

 

...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

 

~ Don’t give up, look up ~