> God brings hope to any and every situation. 

  Lamentations 3:21-23 “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.”

 

> Hope is knowing that life is worth living because as a Christian I will be in heaven when God chooses to take me home.  (I am not in charge of when I go to heaven, it is not my choice.)

  Colossians 1:23 “Do not be moved away from the hope held out in the Gospel”

 

> Even though life’s situations may be difficult, God has made a way to save me from these burdens in the life, death, and resurrection of His Son.  God’s plan for my life is to be in His hands.

  Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and  

                             not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

 

> Time is guaranteed to change your circumstances, but change does take time.

  Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they will soar on wings like                          eagles; they will run, and not be weary; and they will walk, and not be faint.”

 

> I can still live in this world, but not be of it.

  John 17:15-16 “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from  

                           the evil one.  They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.”

 

> This world is not supposed to offer you satisfaction, only God fills the void in our hearts and provides our worth and significance.

  John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have                       trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

 

> Life has many burdens, of which the greatest is our own sin, but Christ has offered to bear our burdens on the cross if we will repent of our sins, surrender to him and follow him—to live in the victory of His resurrection.

  Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

                                   Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,                                        and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

 

> We need the support of other Christians to talk and pray with on a consistent basis.

  Galatians 6:2 “Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

  Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not  

                                   neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another,                                      and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

           

> Because of God’s sovereign (complete control) and loving care for me in every situation, remember:

• I have freedom from the power and penalty of sin

• In any difficulty, I have the promise of victory that Jesus Christ has already attained through His death and resurrection

• I have personal support from the Lord Jesus Christ

• I have the promise that God will work out trials for my benefit and His glory as I live according to His Word

• I can have God’s peace and joy in any situation

• I have no biblical responsibility to change others—only myself

• I can have hope renewed, even if I fail.