This week's theme from our Hope: When Life Hurts Most series is "The Source of Hope."   The really good news is the source of our hope, which is the ultimate assurance of victory no matter what our current circumstance is inexhaustible!  It never runs out-I should say HE never runs out.  Wow!  If that doesn't make you feel better, I'm pretty sure you didn't understand what I just wrote.

What is the source of our hope as Jesus' followers?  In a word (well, two words and a definite article actually) the source of our hope is:  the Holy Spirit.  I hope you're not disappointed right now. You may be if you haven't experienced the Holy Spirit's power in your life.  You may be disappointed if you think the Holy Spirit is some vague force that tells you the difference between right and wrong.  You will NOT be disappointed if you've ever been discouraged or even hopeless about a trial or sorrow in your life and you've need hope to move forward.

When Jesus returned to heaven after He rose from the dead, He promised His disciples He would send His Spirit to comfort and empower us.  God's comfort and power bring hope to our lives in every situation.  As we'll see throughout the week as we read Romans 5:1-5 the process of hope growing and working in us is sure and steady.  Yes, God can give us large impartations of the Holy Spirit for an instant when we need that, but according to Romans 5:1-5 the process of growing in faith and hope, which starts when we are "made right" or justified by Jesus is slow and steady.  I hope you'll join us every day this week, as we investigate the source of hope, and grow in our experience of Him!

Let's pray:  Heavenly Father, Thank You so much for sending Jesus to justify us before You, and  the Holy Spirit to empower us to live in hope.  Fill us anew with Your Spirit right now that we may bring You glory by who we are and all we do this week.  This we ask in Jesus' name.  Amen.