Advent Guide: The Wonder of ChristmasSample

Believe – Joy & Peace – Hope

The Apostle Paul ends his prayer asking for Christians in Rome, who were being persecuted because of their faith in Jesus, to be filled with joy and peace. But for this to happen, they had to believe. While it is God who provides joy and peace, it is our confidence and trust in Him that enables God to bless us as He does. Then, the Joy and Peace He gives results in an overflow of hope in our life. Our job is to continue to trust Him. Everything else is in His Hands and He never fails.

As you go through life's difficulties today, I pray like Paul, that you believe God. There is a difference between faith and hope. Hope is a feeling. Faith is an action. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

Faith leads me to do something, to take action. And that action consists of obeying the last thing God told me to do. So ask yourself, "What is that?" Once you determine what that is, do it; and do it knowing what you hope for will come and that what you can't see is real. When we obey, the Lord keeps His promises and fills us with joy and peace.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for how You speak to me. Don't let me forget that because You love me, Your Will is always the best for me. As You lead me on what step to take next, help me trust You and do what You ask me to do, regardless of what that is. When I do, please fill me with Your Endless Joy and Peace, so I may hope again.

Dr. Gabriel Cortés serves as Chief of Staff at Baptist University of the Americas in San Antonio, Texas. His wife, oldest son, and daughter-in-law are Public School Teachers and his youngest son is a Videographer. They are originally from Puerto Rico, where many feel like the Christmas season never ends.