Hope for Every Circumstance
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2 NIV
Imagine with me that you are a Magi living in the ancient East. You have spent your life studying the scriptures, learning the prophecies concerning the birth of the Messiah. Prophecies like Isaiah 7:14 which says, “Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (NIV)
These wise men knew the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Michah 2) and that a star would declare his birth (Numbers 24:17). They had devoted themselves to studying God’s promises and, since they trusted Him, were waiting with hope until those promises came to be.
Like the Wisemen, we all carry around desires in our hearts, things we hope will transpire. Sometimes, carrying around hope isn’t very thrilling. On our own, it can feel heavy and emotionally draining to keep waiting for something we desire deeply. But, when our hope is tied to trusting God’s promises — then, suddenly, our hope breathes new life.
A few years ago, someone important to me was dying of liver disease. For months, I watched her condition deteriorate until it became evident that the only way she would survive was an organ transplant. I knew the truth that God could provide a donor and save her life, and I had hope because I trusted His promises to care for His children. I carried that hope around in my heart for months as I waited to see how the story would end. One day a phone call from my husband confirmed they had found a donor and she would have the life-saving surgery. I felt as if my heart might burst as I watched my hope turn into reality. God brought it all together, and the thrill of hope realized was now part of my family’s story.
I can’t help but think I understand how the Wisemen, who carried around the knowledge that the Messiah would come, but had to wait for a shining star, may have felt. The moment they saw the star appear, their hope was realized. God showed up, and the thrill of hope realized was part of their story, too.
God wants to bring hope to your story. The challenges, hurts, disappointments, and grief — all the parts of your life that need restoration — hand them to God in exchange for hope. Then carry the thrill of hope in your heart, trusting God will keep His promises.
Fix your eyes on that bright, shining star, the light of the world: Jesus. Let’s follow the example of the Wisemen and seek Him fully. May knowing him bring us exceedingly great joy at Christmas and always.
Father, you are my source of hope. Help me fix my eyes on Jesus and trust your promises. I desire to carry hope in my heart and hand my burdens to You. Amen.