(5-8 minutes, easy setup)
Learners will consider the difference between trusting in God and hoping in Him.
Ask: What is the difference between trust and hope in God? After responses, read the following definitions from Merriam-Webster:
Ask: Based on these definitions, what is the difference between these two words? (Trust is based on what we believe about something or someone, whereas hope is based on what we desire.) Lead learners to discuss how the difference in these words have an impact on their lives.
Explain that you are going to read some statements, and that learners are to discuss how each one changes depending on which word (trust or hope) we use:
Ask: Thinking about our discussion here, did Mary have hope or trust in God? (She trusted in God’s character to bring about all that He said and in a way that she could have confidence to obey Him, no matter what happened.) Encourage learners to consider how their lives indicate that they have hope or trust in the Lord. Point out that having trust in a person means that we need to know him or her well, and the same is true of having trust in God. Instruct learners to prayerfully consider one practical way that they can begin to deepen their knowledge and relationship with God this week. After a minute or so, lead learners in sentence prayers, encouraging learners to praise God for His trustworthiness and to ask Him for a desire and strength to know Him better.