121 AdventSample

Doubt: A Hindrance to Hope

If faith as a whole, which encompasses hope, is "the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1),” it is appropriate that it would be countered in our lives and hearts by doubt, which is defined as a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction.

Paul attributes faith to Abraham and describes the connection between that faith and hope saying, “In hope he believed against hope.” (Romans 4:18) He believed against hope from a human perspective and believed in hope resting on the character of God. In fact, Abraham’s circumstances seemed humanly impossible. The promise of an heir was hopeless in the face of old age and barrenness. But when hope rests on God, who can and does, in fact, do the impossible (Matthew 19:26), the realm of possibility has no bounds. Our hope abounds in His ability, His goodness and His faithfulness toward us, His children. We have “full assurance of hope.”

Too often we are afraid to hope for things because we doubt they are possible or we doubt the will on which they rest. Maybe we’ve been let down, we have past wounds and grave disappointments that cloud our ability to hope. Our past experience or present circumstances create looming doubt and disbelief in future good. It is in these moments that we must shift our focus from the temporary to the eternal and to the truth of the Gospel. We must draw on truth from God’s Word, truth that affirms His unchanging character and His great love for us displayed in Christ. The power of the Gospel shatters doubt.

Families With Young Children

KIDS, Sometimes doubt can get in the way and try to steal our hope by trying to make us uncertain of what we hope for in Christ. When you focus on the character of God and what you know to be true about Him, it can increase your faith and assurance of hope. Think about who God is in your life. What has He done for you and your family? Ask your parents to help you make a list of all the ways God has been faithful to your family. When you begin to doubt, think on the things God has done to give you assurance of hope.

Read Luke 1:46-56. KIDS, When Mary found out she was with child she sang a song. Did she sound hopeful in this song? What are some things Mary says about the Lord? What qualities of the Lord in these verses give you hope?

Read Luke 1:57-1:80. KIDS, When Elizabeth and Zechariah had their baby what did they name him? (John) Why were the people surprised? (It was customary in that time to name a son after someone in the family, usually the father. However, there was no one in their family with the name John.) How did Zechariah tell them the name to give the baby? (he wrote it on a tablet) Do you remember why he couldn't speak? (he doubted the angel when he was told they were going to have a child) Once he was able to speak, what did he begin to do? (he praised God) How did everyone around him respond? (they were in awe and knew the Lord's hand was upon the child) In Zechariah's song, what did he have hope in the Lord to do? What hopes did he have for his son John? (to be a prophet preparing the way for Jesus, giving knowledge of salvation) Did the things Zechariah hoped for come true? (yes, he became strong in Spirit)

How can you make sure your hope doesn't fade away?