Tuesday With Teri

This is the first week of Advent. Each week, four leading up to Christmas, we pause in remembrance of the birth of our Savior. In some households a candle will be lit in recognition of each of the Advent themes.   This week we consider the hope we have in Jesus.

It had been a rough month, followed by a horrible week and I was really struggling. Which is how I came to download a Beth Moore book onto my Kindle. The book was perfectly titled for this season of my life, “Get Out of That Pit: Straight Talk About God’s Deliverance”. I could not wait to start reading this book on a recent flight to Florida. I thought it was a good way to start getting myself out of my pit…but God did not wait for me to get myself out. He, of course, met me where I was…flight 1650, seat 15D.

I was not more than a page into the book when I read this line, “I’m writing to tell you I believe God has scheduled your flight out of a pit.” Just then our pilot came over the intercom, “we will be turning the fasten seatbelt signs back on due to impending turbulence”.   I continued to read… “you can really move out of your pit…I’d like to be your flight attendant for a while. I’ve taken this trip before. It’s a bit bumpy, but the destination is worth it…”  It was as if Beth Moore knew I’d be reading her book on a plane!   Well, she may not have known, but God sure put that book in my life in His perfect time!

I was thankful for the dimly lit cabin as my eyes filled with tears.   A “DING” sounded and the “fasten seatbelt” sign went off.   I kept reading. The next page held this Scripture…. “I waited patiently for the Lord, He turned to me and heard my cry.”(Psalm 40:1) I turned off my Kindle, laid back my head, closed my eyes and listened to the soft rumble of the plane’s engines.

      In the confines of seat 15D, God reminded me He knows my struggle, sees my tears, hears my cry and meets me in my pit. And just like that, His forgiveness and grace replace guilt and condemnation. Hope lifted my weariness and discouragement. As I stepped off the plane that night, I looked up from my pit and thanked God for joining me on my journey.

 If you too are looking up from a pit,

may this season bring you HOPE restored!

Because of the birth of Christ, His life and sacrifice for our sins, we have the HOPE of forgiveness for our sins, a relationship with our heavenly Father and eternal life.  This week may we celebrate the fulfillment of our HOPE in the birth of Christ and in the continued HOPE He brings to all generations.

          The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them….For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.  (Isaiah 9:2& 6)