Faithful & Grateful: Hope in the Midst of Hardship
An Advent Teaching Series from Cell Life Church TV
The Advent season reminds us that God is faithful even when life is difficult, uncertain, or painful. Faithful & Grateful: Hope in the Midst of Hardship is a five-part Advent teaching series that explores how men and women in Scripture remained faithful to God and grateful in their hearts while facing trials, opposition, persecution, and uncertainty.
Through the stories of Joseph, Hannah, Daniel, the early Church, and Mary and Joseph, this series reveals that hope is not found in circumstances, but in trusting God’s presence and purposes. Each teaching invites us to live with courage, obedience, and gratitude as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Whether you are walking through hardship, waiting on God, or simply seeking encouragement during the Advent season, these teachings point us to the unshakable hope we have in Christ.
Teaching 1: Joseph — Trusting God in the Dark
Joseph’s life shows us how faithfulness in hardship grows when everything seems unfair and confusing. Betrayed by his brothers, falsely accused, imprisoned, and forgotten, Joseph continued to trust God even when life felt dark. This teaching explores how God works behind the scenes in seasons of suffering and how gratitude can grow when we believe God is still in control.
▶️ Watch the teaching:
https://youtu.be/nUF_Zr2FSP8
Teaching 2: Hannah — A Prayer in the Pain
Hannah’s story teaches us what prayer through suffering truly looks like. Facing deep personal grief, ridicule, and years of waiting, Hannah brought her pain honestly before God. This teaching shows how heartfelt prayer leads to peace, how gratitude grows through trust, and how God meets us in our deepest sorrow.
▶️ Watch the teaching:
https://youtu.be/YZdQ0F6GKMw
Teaching 3: Daniel — Courage When It Costs You
Daniel remained faithful when obedience to God carried real consequences. Living in a culture that opposed his faith, Daniel chose prayer and trust even when his life was at risk. This teaching challenges believers to stand firm with courageous faith under pressure and reminds us that God honors those who trust Him in the dark.
▶️ Watch the teaching:
https://youtu.be/2B91r4OB5j0
Teaching 4: The Early Church — Joy in Persecution
The early believers faced arrests, threats, beatings, and intense opposition, yet they responded with joy, unity, generosity, and boldness. This teaching from Acts chapters 4 and 5 reveals how joyful endurance in Christ becomes a powerful witness to the world and how true joy flows from the presence of the Holy Spirit, not from circumstances.
▶️ Watch the teaching:
https://youtu.be/Vy7bYX2t5l4
Teaching 5: Mary and Joseph — Faithful Obedience in Uncertainty
Mary and Joseph show us that obedience is most powerful when the future is unclear. Called into an unexpected and difficult journey, they trusted God completely and followed Him step by step. This final Advent teaching reminds us that faithfulness in hardship often begins with obedience in uncertainty and prepares our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
▶️ Watch the teaching:
https://youtu.be/fyF5EymzpuU
Advent Reflection
The Advent season is not only about looking back to the birth of Christ, but also about learning to trust God in the present. Each teaching in this series points us toward a deeper understanding of God’s faithfulness, even in hardship, and calls us to live with gratitude, courage, and hope.
As you reflect on these messages, may you be encouraged to trust God more deeply, walk faithfully through every season, and celebrate the hope we have in Jesus Christ.
Advent Series FAQ
What is Advent?
Advent is the season leading up to Christmas where believers prepare their hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is a time of hope, reflection, and worship as we remember that God kept His promise by sending the Savior.
What is this Advent teaching series about?
Faithful & Grateful: Hope in the Midst of Hardship is a five-part Advent teaching series that highlights people in Scripture who faced trials, opposition, persecution, and uncertainty, yet remained faithful to God and grateful in their hearts.
Who are the Bible characters and groups featured in this series?
This series includes teachings on Joseph, Hannah, Daniel, the early Church in Acts, and Mary and Joseph. Each message shows practical, biblical faith for real-life hardship.
What does “faithfulness in hardship” mean?
Faithfulness in hardship means continuing to trust and obey God when life is difficult. It is choosing to believe God is present and good, even when circumstances are painful or uncertain.
How can I find joy when I am going through hardship?
Joy is not based on easy circumstances. Biblical joy comes from Christ and the Holy Spirit. As you pray, stay connected to God’s Word, and walk in Christian community, God can give you strength, peace, and joy even in hard seasons.
How do I watch all five teachings in this series?
Each teaching is listed on this page with a direct link to its YouTube video. You can watch them in order as a full Advent series or choose the teaching most relevant to what you are facing right now.
Can I download the teaching notes for small group or personal study?
Yes. Each teaching has a matching notes page on our website where you can read along and download the notes for personal study, small groups, or cell-site leadership.
How can I apply this Advent series to my life this week?
Choose one teaching to focus on, read the Scripture passages, and pray about one area where God is calling you to trust Him. Then take one simple step of obedience and write down one thing you are grateful for each day.