“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins…”

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest…”

“And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation” (1 Peter 1:5a NLT). Hope matters.

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine.

LK 1:39-47: In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb.

MK 13:33-37: Jesus said to his disciples, “Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch.


If you’re a follower of Jesus, joy should be a way of life. Why? You’ve been completely forgiven—no guilt, no shame, no remorse, and no regrets. God has wiped them all out. Sounds like a good reason for joy to me.

God’s promises are better than any of our promises. Before we even receive what he has promised, we can say, “Thank you, God, that what you said is going to happen, will happen.”