Advent is a time we can refresh our amazement in the prophecy and arrival of Jesus the Messiah, growing closer to Him as we proclaim our longing for His coming again. We pray this devotional will challenge and remind you of the hope, joy, preparation, and love that we experience as we anticipate Christ’s birth.
The Journey
December 25 is a big day.
But what about December 26? What about January 2? How does Christmas affect us on “normal” days?
The moments of significance in our lives remind us and give us the comfort and assurance that God is moving.
Read Exodus 14
In verse 31, what is the response of the Israelites to this amazing and significant moment?
Read Exodus 16:1-3
What has changed in the hearts of the Israelites?
When the Israelites were in the direct presence of God’s power, they praised and feared His name, but trials were just around the corner. And when those trials came upon them, they were unsure if they could trust God to provide. Did He really love them? Was He really still with them?
Israel was like us when we’re hungry. Hunger has a way of making us doubt every meal we’ve ever had before.
Think through the trials you’re currently facing in your life. Is there a part of you that is starting to doubt God’s provision in the middle of these difficult situations? Is there a part of you that wonders if He is going to let you starve to death in the wilderness?
In what ways do you feel tempted in your trials to just provide for yourself instead of waiting on God?
Christmas is not just the evidence that God loves you. It is not just the evidence that God will provide. It is the proof that God is with you in the hunger and with you in the wandering in the wilderness.
Read Matthew 4:1-4
Where was Jesus led? How was Jesus feeling after 40 days and nights? What did Satan urge Him to do?
Read Hebrews 2:17-18 & 4:14-16
Even Jesus, the provision of God, fought the urge to provide for Himself and trusted in the Father. God has given you a Savior who not only promises that things will turn out okay, but who has walked through the very trials you experience now. He too has been hungry. He too has been tempted to provide for Himself in the pain of the wilderness. We do not have a high priest that cannot sympathize. Jesus has been tempted as we are and the Bible promises us that Jesus will help us in our time of need. Spend some time in prayer thanking Him for His willingness to walk through suffering and temptation for you. Bring your needs to Jesus and ask Him to help in your time of need.
This Jumpstart Advent series was written and produced by Park Community Church in Chicago, IL.
JumpstartCPC.com 