In Desperate Need of Hope

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” – The Apostle Paul giving encouragement to those in need of hope in Philippians 1:6 (ESV)

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. “ -Jesus in John 16:33 (ESV)

IN DESPERATE NEED

Since Adam and Eve were cast from the garden, every generation has been on a desperate search for hope. Trust that there is a cure, that there is a way out, that something ‘I’ can do will make all things right again. For those of us who have placed our faith in Jesus we know that He alone is our hope.

It’s only through his saving grace that our desperate search for hope finds an answer.

WE’RE INCOMPLETE

But, here’s the thing, it’s not yet fully complete. The day of Jesus Christ that the Apostle Paul references in Philippians 1:6 (see above) is yet to come. Our hope begins when we accept the gift of God’s grace and say ‘yes’ to Jesus – and it’s fully and wholly completed on Christ’s return.  So what do we do in the meantime? What do we do when health fails, depression overwhelms, and the circumstances of life overwhelm us?

CLING

We still cling to hope!

We still believe the promises of Jesus (see above verse) and at that moment – as the writer of Hebrews says – hope becomes our anchor. If Jesus isn’t that hope that anchors us down – then just like a ship in a storm – we become lost, aimless, and desperate.

Have you ever felt like that?

I certainly have and it’s in those seasons of desperation that everything the world has to offer is no more solid than sinking sand.  Jesus says, we ‘will have tribulation’ but despite the hardships of life we choose trust and expectation. Trust in him and his promises – knowing he is faithful.

This is the good news the world needs to hear and we need build our lives on!

LACEY STURM’S STORY

Watch the video below to hear how the reality of Jesus brought hope despite the circumstances of life. If you find yourself in a season that has tried to steal your hope check out the book 365 Days of Hope or check out other great books on hope here.