Finding Hope
Hope
Hope. A word so often spoken, yet sometimes misunderstood. True hope is having confidence in something unseen—trusting that it will come to pass, even if the when and how remains a mystery. Hope is a defining theme of the Christmas season: the hope of Christ, the hope of a New Year, the hope of a life yet to unfold.
In Luke 1, we find a profound story of hope and purpose. This chapter recounts the birth of John the Baptist and the miraculous conception of Jesus. Three central figures—Elizabeth, Mary, and Zechariah—are each called by God for a specific purpose, a purpose that ultimately brings salvation to the world through His Son.
The story begins with the angel Gabriel’s visit to Zechariah in the temple. Gabriel announces to Zachariah that he and his wife, Elizabeth, though advanced in years, will have a son named John. John is destined to prepare the way for God’s Son. Later, Gabriel visits Mary, declaring that she has found favor with God and will bear a son named Jesus. The chapter concludes with Mary visiting Elizabeth, and together they rejoice in the favor and blessings of the Lord. It closes with the birth of John the Baptist, the one to make way for the hope to come, the Savior of the world.
In this chapter, we see two distinct responses to Gabriel’s message. Zechariah, upon hearing the promise of a child, doubts:
"How can I be sure of this? I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years." (Luke 1:18)
Mary, on the other hand, responds with curiosity and trust:
"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" (Luke 1:34)
Two similar messages. Two very different responses. This contrast prompts an important question: How do I respond to God’s message in my life?
When faced with a glimpse of hope or the possibility of something new, do we embrace it with faith and a willingness to move forward? Or do we shrink back in doubt, questioning its plausibility?
A few years ago, I found myself wrestling with these questions. I was working part-time at my church in a challenging environment that lacked peace and stability. I felt called to move on, to step into a full-time position with more responsibilities, but fear held me back. I prayed repeatedly for direction, yet my situation only grew more unsettled, affecting not just my work but my home life as well.
At one point, my husband gently suggested that perhaps God was trying to tell me something. I resisted, insisting that I just needed to pray more and trust that things would improve. But they didn’t. The unrest persisted until I finally took a step of faith. I applied for a similar role at another church, and God opened a door. I walked through it, and my life began to change.
Looking back, I see that the hope I held wasn’t tied to a specific job or location. It was hope in a mighty God—the One who could bring peace to my soul and guide me to His purpose for my life. That’s what hope truly is: trusting in God’s ability to transform our circumstances or sustain us through them.
As I reflect on Mary’s song in Luke 1, I understand it more deeply now than ever before. Her words of praise remind us who God is—a Savior who faithfully provides for us as we walk the path He has set before us. I couldn’t have faced Mary’s path, but I can face the one God has given me, knowing He is with me every step of the way.
Mary’s song, often called the Magnificat, is a beautiful reminder of God’s faithfulness and His plan for redemption. Writing out scripture has become a way for me to find stillness and meditate on His Word. Below, I’ve shared a downloadable copy of a penmanship page of Luke 1:46-55 for you to use. I invite you to click the button below to download your own copy and reflect on these powerful words of hope and praise.
Start your day out right!
IF you are just looking for the simple version of my Morning Start and Evening End. The link is at the end of this article. OR you can click here.
Starting my day is one of the hardest things for me to do. I have my alarm set for 5:30 am and every time it goes off I hit the snooze and take another 10 minutes sleep. I wish I could say that I only do this once or twice, but in reality I do this at least 3 times. I have even set an alarm with my Alexa, and I still tell it to snooze when the alarm goes off at 6 am. I am terrible. Mornings are the worst for me.
What makes it even harder is trying to get all the chores done before I leave for work. Prior to getting a full time job I knew I had time, if I did not get up soon enough it was not a big deal. I could sleep until 7 am and I would still have time! Not any more.
When I started working full time I knew I needed to be ready and out the door a lot earlier than before. And when I say a lot earlier, I mean A LOT earlier! The unfortunate part it has been a challenge to find a way to get the chores done, be ready for work, and get to work on time. It truly has been a challenge.
After 3 months I figured it was time to do some research and find ways to improve my morning routine. I started reading articles on what to do, how to plan, and ways to improve my mornings. I found out there is more to just getting up early and getting stuff done. You need to plan, both your morning, your evening, your day basically. For you to have a better morning, you need to have a better night. I started planning
I found out that if I wanted to my mornings to improve I need to find a plan for my whole day. I needed to figure out what I am going to be doing the next day before the next day came.
Here are the steps I found out worked well.
Plan the night before: When I planned out my day the night before it gave me the opportunity to see what needed to be done. It allowed me to figure out what needed to be done, and what I wanted to get done. With that list complete I would know how much time I needed to complete my tasks.
Morning Start List: I created a list of chores that I wanted to accomplish each morning before I left for work. I posted that list on my refrigerator where I could see it as a reminder of what I wanted to get done before I headed out the door. It was also important that I put how much time each chore would take. Now I know this sounds a bit controlling, but knowing how long my chores all together will take helps me to know what time to get up in the morning. Or if it is realistic of me to accomplish the tasks I want to get done.
Evening End List: I also created a list of chores that I wanted to accomplish each evening. I also posted this list on my refrigerator where I could see it as a reminder of what I wanted to get done before I go to bed. Just as important as it is to know how much time it takes to get ready in the morning, I also need to know how much time it takes me to get ready for bed.
And what I put on my list is just as important.
Chores to help me be a better me: I know there people that don’t necessarily agree with the “me” time, but taking care of yourself is important. Taking the time to exercise, read, journal, and clean yourself help takes care of your body and your mind. And when you take care of your body and your mind you are able to take better care of your family and home.
Chore to help me plan: It is important to know what your plan is for tomorrow just as it important to know what your plan is for today. Taking 10 minutes in the evening to write down the chores that I want to accomplish the next day helps to know where my day is headed and to know how much needs to be done for that day. If there are errands to run or if there is something out of the ordinary that I need to accomplish.
Chore to help me take better care of home: Taking care of a home is a big responsibility there are many things that need to be taken care of whether on a daily, weekly, or monthly bases. There is almost always something that needs to be done. By having a plan, a list of tasks to be done on a daily, weekly, or monthly bases, taking care of a home is easier.
I know this might seem like a lot but it is not. In fact, I know this ideas helps so much I want to help you get started. Here is my simple PDF that I have used with both my Morning Start list, and my Evening End list. Or you can take a piece of paper and start with your own list. Think of the things/tasks that you would like to do each day before you go to work, and then the things/tasks you would like to do each day before you go to bed. Put that list somewhere you can see it. Then make a pack with yourself that you are going to do those tasks for the next 30 days. You will see a difference. I did!