Candle of Hope

 I believe that I shall see the bounty of the Lord in the land of the living.  [Psalm 27:13]

Did you know that each of the four Advent candles has a meaning?  The first purple candle, lit during this first week of Advent, stands for hope.  The promise is that we are not disappointed when we hope in the Lord.

God is never late, rarely early, and usually last minute.  This characteristic of God requires us to wait, hoping that He will answer.   

Some years ago, my husband David was laid off from his job quite unexpectedly.  The layoff came in January just weeks after the company holiday party, where he had received big kudos for ten years of service.  His boss told the crowd that he looked forward to another ten years working with David.  What a shock to be laid off after that!

Thankfully, there were eleven weeks of severance pay.  When the new job came along, guess when the start day was:  The first Monday of the twelfth week!  God was neither early, nor late, but most definitely last-minute.  His new job met our financial needs, yet was less demanding.  Today, we thank God for that unexpected change.  

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; yea, wait for the Lord! [Psalm 27:14]

Lord, please help me to be to be stalwart in prayer and hope while I await your answer.  Amen.