HOPE (in the Christian sense)…
Is the expectation of future blessings and the confidence that the best is yet to come.
BIG QUESTION: Are you willing to ?
How did Mary overcome the fear of hopelessness?
1. Mary seriously
2. Mary sincerely
3. Mary said
The FAVOR OF GOD…
God has restored our relationship with Him, He has promised the restoration of all things, and He isworking all things for our good even when we can’t see it.
NOTES:
QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY
Read Luke 1:26-38 and discuss:
• Share about a time you experienced feelings of hopelessness. How did hopelessnes impact your day-to-day life?
• Discuss the proposed definition of hope on the other side of the guide. When do you find it easier to hope? More difficult? Explain why.
• What is the difference between dishonest doubt that comes from a place of disbelief and honest doubt that is rooted more in a lack of knowledge or experience? Which type of doubt did Mary have?
• Do you find it easier to question God or your doubts? Why?
• How do we doubt our doubts? What could that look like practically?
• Is God OK with us expressing our doubts to Him? Why or why not?
• What do you find most significant about Mary’s “let it be” response to God? How does that convict or inspire you?
• Why did Mary embrace the favor of God? Have you? • How did the message impact you personally?
PERSONAL REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
• Consider and question your doubts and hopelessness, why you are fearing what you are fearing and feeling what you are feeling.
• Take your doubts to God sincerely, honestly, and humbly.
• Give yourself unconditionally to God in response to what He reveals. • Meditate on how you have experienced the favor of God.