There is a story about the USS S-4 submarine, which sank off the coast of Massachusetts in 1927. The submarine was conducting exercises with the Coast Guard when it collided with the Coast Guard destroyer USS Paulding. The collision caused significant damage to the submarine, resulting in it rapidly sinking to the ocean floor.
There were 40 crew members on board the USS S-4 at the time of the accident. Following the collision, the surviving crew members attempted to communicate with the rescue teams on the surface, one of them being a young sailor named George Plunkett. Despite being trapped in the submerged submarine, Plunkett managed to use Morse code to tap out a distress signal asking if there was any hope of rescue.
Rescue operations were immediately initiated, and a massive effort was made to save the trapped crew. However, due to the challenging conditions and limited technology available at the time, it took several days for the efforts to finally succeed. Tragically, by the time the submarine was successfully raised to the surface, all but one crew member had perished.
George Plunkett, the sailor who had tapped out the Morse code distress signal, was the sole survivor of the USS S-4. His resilience and resourcefulness in using Morse code to communicate with the outside world in such dire circumstances became a testament to human determination and bravery.
The message he was sending was, “Is there any hope?”
Have you ever felt that way in life? Trapped? Holding on by a thread? Suffocating under your burdens?
In a world where child abuse, high suicide rates, death, and feelings of despair are undoubtedly distressing and can have a profound impact on our collective sense of hope, these issues represent significant challenges faced by individuals, families, and societies worldwide.
Child abuse is a deeply troubling form of violence that can have severe and long-lasting consequences. It not only harms the physical and emotional well-being of children but also undermines their sense of safety, trust, and hope for the future.
Suicide rates reflect the depth of despair experienced by individuals who may feel overwhelmed by their circumstances, mental health challenges, or a lack of support.
Death, whether due to illness, accidents, or other causes, can lead to a profound sense of loss and grief among individuals and families. Coping with death can be an emotionally challenging journey.
Feelings of despair can result from various factors such as personal struggles, societal pressures, or the weight of world events. These emotions can be overwhelming, affecting our mental health and overall well-being.
With these kinds of issues attacking every day from all sides, it’s no wonder why so many people have given up any possibility of having any hope!
When the question comes up, is there any hope? The absolute answer must be, Yes, there is hope!
For many people, including Christians, Jesus is seen as a source of hope in the face of adversity and struggles in the world. Here are a few ways in which Jesus is often viewed as a symbol of hope:
1. Unconditional love and forgiveness: Jesus taught about love, compassion, and forgiveness, emphasizing the importance of treating others with kindness and grace. Believers may find hope in knowing that, despite the challenges and flaws of the world, they are loved by a higher power who offers forgiveness and redemption.
2. Comfort in times of grief and suffering: Jesus' teachings and example offer solace to those experiencing pain, sorrow, or loss. His promise of eternal life, his own experience of suffering, and his empathy for the suffering of others can provide hope that there is meaning and comfort even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
3. Guidance for living a purposeful life: The teachings of Jesus provide a moral compass and guidance for believers, offering hope that by following his teachings, they can contribute to making the world a better place. Believers may find hope in the idea that they are part of a larger plan to bring about positive change and promote love, justice, and compassion.
4. Promise of a future kingdom: Many Christians believe in the promise of a future kingdom or heaven, where the brokenness and suffering of this world will be replaced with joy, peace, and justice. This belief in a better future can provide hope and encouragement to persevere through difficult times.
Jesus is the one who has overcome every trouble in this world and can guarantee you hope in the middle of hopelessness.
Nero was a Roman emperor who ruled from 54 to 68 AD. He is infamous for his tyrannical rule and variously documented acts of cruelty. One significant event associated with Nero is the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD.
The Great Fire of Rome was a catastrophic fire that burned for six days and devastated a significant portion of the city. Its exact cause remains unknown, but ancient historians, including Tacitus and Suetonius, mention rumors that Nero himself may have been responsible for starting the fire to clear space for a grand palace known as the Domus Aurea.
To deflect blame from himself, Nero decided to shift the responsibility onto a scapegoat group. He falsely accused the Christians, who were a growing religious sect in Rome at that time, of starting the fire. This marked the beginning of widespread persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire.
During the persecution, Christians faced severe hardships and brutal treatment. They were subjected to various forms of torture, including crucifixion, being used as human torches, and torn apart by wild animals in the Colosseum for public entertainment. It is believed that both the apostle Peter and the apostle Paul were among those who were executed during this period of persecution.
The persecution under Nero was part of a larger pattern of sporadic persecutions against Christians in the Roman Empire. These persecutions were driven by a combination of religious, social, and political factors, including the refusal of Christians to participate in traditional Roman religious practices and loyalty to the empire.
What does this crazy, horrible story have to do with hope and why do I share it with you?
Well, the First Epistle of Peter, often simply referred to as 1 Peter, is a book in the New Testament of the Bible attributed to the apostle Peter. It is believed to have been written during the reign of Nero, around the mid to late 60s AD, a time when Christians were facing persecution and oppression in the Roman Empire.
In 1 Peter, the apostle exhorts and encourages early Christian communities to remain steadfast in their faith despite the challenges they were encountering. The letter emphasizes the importance of hope, endurance, and faithfulness in the face of suffering and persecution.
Peter addresses his audience as "exiles" or "aliens," highlighting the idea that their true citizenship lies in the heavenly kingdom rather than the earthly empire. He urges them to "set their hope fully on the grace to be given" in the future (1 Peter 1:13). This hope is rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which Peter emphasizes as a source of living hope (1 Peter 1:3).
Throughout 1 Peter, Peter encourages believers to maintain their faith and conduct themselves with grace even in the midst of adversity. He reminds them that they are part of a chosen people, a holy nation, and a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) and urges them to "rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed" (1 Peter 4:13).
The letter of 1 Peter resonates with believers even today as it offers reassurance, guidance, and hope during times of trials and difficulties. Its message encourages Christians to find strength in their identity as God's chosen people, to trust in God's faithfulness, and to persevere with hope in the ultimate victory found in Jesus Christ.
In the same way that Peter encouraged the early church, I encourage you to set your hope fully in Christ, emphasizing the word “fully”.
Your pain can become your purpose. The challenges you face have the potential to fuel your determination and drive. Embrace your pain, learn from it, and let it ignite your passion to make a difference in your life. Commit to trusting that Jesus will have the final say.
None of us are immune to challenges that try to steal our hope. These can affectionately be called “hope breakers”. Many of the angriest, most hateful people most generally will be struggling from an issue that is rooted deep in hopelessness.
Let’s discuss some of these hope breakers so we can better understand them.
The first one is when we don’t know God.
Not knowing Jesus and having Him in our life can be a hope breaker in several ways.
1. Lack of Guidance and Direction:
Without Jesus, we may feel lost and unsure about the path we're taking in life. Jesus provides guidance and direction, giving us hope for a meaningful and purposeful existence.
- "I am the way, and the truth, and the life." - John 14:6
2. Absence of Peace and Comfort:
When we don't have Jesus in our lives, we may struggle to find peace and comfort in difficult times. Jesus offers us His peace that surpasses all understanding, granting hope even in the midst of chaos.
- "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." - John 14:27
3. Lack of Forgiveness and Redemption:
Without Jesus, we may carry the burden of guilt and regret, feeling hopeless about our past mistakes. However, through Jesus' sacrifice, we can find forgiveness and redemption, giving us hope for a new beginning.
- "In him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace." - Ephesians 1:7
4. Inability to Overcome Challenges:
Without Jesus in our lives, we may lack the strength and resilience to face and overcome life's challenges. However, with Jesus, we find hope as He promises to be with us and help us navigate through difficult times.
- "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13
5. Final Separation from God:
If we do not know Jesus and accept Him into our lives, there may be a fear of eternal separation from God, leading to hopelessness. However, through Jesus, we have the opportunity for eternal life, filled with hope and the presence of God.
- "And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." - John 17:3
We need to know God in order to have hope from God.
The second hope breaker is when we forget God.
You may think that this is a difficult thing to do until you remember that forgetting God was a recurring pattern in the history of Israel, and it can resemble a pattern in our lives today. This can be illustrated using the quote from Pastor Mike Fabarez which states, "Forgetting God does not mean that we are unable to recall certain facts about God, but rather that he is no longer at the forefront of our minds and at the top of our priorities. Other things can so easily clutter our time and capture our attention until our worship, thanksgiving and dependence on God are all but an afterthought." It’s easy to forget about God when our days are filled with so much routine and ritual.
In the Old Testament, the people of Israel often forgot about God's faithfulness and provision, turning away from Him to worship false gods or pursuing their own desires. This forgetfulness led to a cycle of disobedience, suffering, and ultimately repentance. This pattern is highlighted in various passages throughout the Bible, such as Psalm 78:10-11:
"They did not keep God's covenant but refused to walk according to his law. They forgot his works and the wonders that he had shown them."
Similarly, in our lives today, we can unintentionally or knowingly forget about God's presence, His promises, and His faithfulness. This can manifest in different ways:
1. Neglecting Spiritual Practices:
We may neglect spending time in prayer, studying the Bible, or participating in community worship, gradually forgetting to prioritize our relationship with God. Over time, this can lead to spiritual apathy and distance from Him.
2. Pursuing Worldly Desires:
Just like Israel pursued their own desires, we can become consumed by worldly pursuits and pleasures, gradually forgetting the importance of aligning our lives with God's will. This can result in a gradual drift away from God and His ways.
3. Trusting in Self-reliance:
Forgetting God can also take the form of relying solely on our own abilities, knowledge, and achievements, neglecting to acknowledge God as the source of our blessings and success. This can lead to pride and a diminishing sense of our dependence on Him.
In Pastor Mike Fabarez's quote, he reminds us that forgetting God does not mean we erase the factual knowledge of God's existence from our minds. Instead, it refers to forgetting His significance in our lives, neglecting to acknowledge and prioritize Him.
To break this pattern and ensure we do not forget God, it is crucial to cultivate a daily relationship with Him through prayer, regular study of His Word, and active involvement in a community of believers. By doing so, we can guard against the tendency to forget God and instead experience His presence, guidance, and the hope that He offers.
We have to remember that when God is no longer our priority, our hope evaporates.
The third hope breaker is when we feel alone.
Human beings, including Christians, were created with a built-in need for community for several reasons. This inherent need for community stems from our nature as social beings and is intimately connected to our spiritual and emotional well-being. When relational bonds break or feelings of loneliness overpower our sense of being loved, hope can be shattered.
1. God's Design for Community:
From the very beginning, God designed human beings to live in community. In Genesis 2:18, God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." God recognized that it was not beneficial for Adam to be alone and created Eve as a companion. This highlights the importance of companionship and relationships for human flourishing.
2. Mutual Support and Encouragement:
Being part of a community allows for mutual support and encouragement. In the book of Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, it says, "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion." Having a support system strengthens us, gives us hope during difficult times, and helps us persevere through challenges.
3. Accountability and Spiritual Growth:
Being part of a community provides accountability, which is necessary for personal and spiritual growth. Proverbs 27:17 states, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." When we surround ourselves with fellow believers, they can challenge and encourage us to grow in our faith, helping us to stay on the right path and fostering hope through spiritual companionship.
4. Sharing Life's Burdens and Celebrations:
In community, we find companionship in both our joys and sorrows. Romans 12:15 urges believers to "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." Being part of a community enables us to share our burdens, find solace, and experience the love and support of others, which brings hope in times of despair.
However, when relational bonds break or when a sense of loneliness overwhelms us, hope can be broken. This can occur when we experience fractured relationships, isolation, rejection, or when we feel disconnected from others.
When relational bonds are broken, we may feel a sense of loss, betrayal, or abandonment. This can lead to a loss of hope as we question our worth, experience emotional pain, and struggle to find meaning in our relationships.
Feelings of loneliness can also undermine our hope. Humans inherently long for love, connection, and belonging. When we lack meaningful relationships or don't feel loved, loneliness can threaten our sense of hope, leaving us feeling isolated, misunderstood, and disconnected from others.
To restore hope, it is vital to prioritize and invest in healthy relationships and cultivate an authentic community. This can involve seeking reconciliation and forgiveness in broken relationships, actively engaging with a supportive church community, joining small groups, or seeking professional counseling if needed. By nurturing and fostering connections, we can help restore hope and experience the love and support that God intended for us within a community of believers.
We need the kind of relationships in which grace abounds and growth is allowed to take place slowly but surely. Too many people don’t have this experience. They often feel like an Instagram highlight reel. They show their best. Look their best. And photoshop the rest. Meanwhile they are hopelessly dying inside. Loneliness crushes hope.
The fourth hope breaker is when we don’t see a solution.
Have you even been in a situation in which you didn’t see a way out? When you get stuck in feelings of despair and see no way out? It starts to feel like claustrophobia, beginning to press down to where you can’t even breathe. Fear will often do this to us.
Our hope can be broken when we don't see a solution because the absence of a solution can lead to feelings of despair, uncertainty, and helplessness.
1. Frustration and Despair:
When we encounter challenging circumstances or problems without a clear solution, it's natural to feel frustrated and discouraged. The longer we go without finding a resolution, the more our hope can be eroded. The uncertainty and inability to envision a way forward can make us question if a positive outcome is even possible.
2. Overwhelm and Helplessness:
When faced with complex or seemingly insurmountable problems, we may feel overwhelmed and powerless. The lack of a solution can amplify these feelings of helplessness, making us doubt our abilities, resources, or capacity to overcome the situation. This can lead to a diminishing of hope as we struggle to find a way out.
3. Cognitive Bias and Limited Perspective:
Sometimes, our hope can be broken when we have a narrow perspective or cognitive bias that prevents us from seeing alternative solutions. We may become fixated on a specific outcome or approach, making it challenging to recognize other possibilities. This fixation can limit our hope if the desired solution remains out of reach.
4. Loss of Optimism and Vision:
A missing solution can also result in a loss of optimism and vision for the future. When we are unable to find a way forward, it can be difficult to maintain a positive outlook or anticipate positive outcomes. This loss of optimism can weaken our hope and contribute to a sense of resignation or defeat.
Hopelessness cannot be allowed to run wild and free. We need help to see that there is always a solution.
The fifth hope breaker is when we struggle to see our purpose.
Hope can be broken when an individual feels a lack of purpose in their life. This absence of purpose can lead to feelings of aimlessness, uncertainty, and a diminished sense of hope.
When you don't know your purpose, you feel like your life doesn't have any meaning. And when you don't have any meaning, you don't have any hope. This quote underscores the vital connection between purpose and hope. Without a clear understanding of one's purpose, it becomes challenging to find meaning in life, which directly impacts one's hope for the future.
When individuals lack a sense of purpose, they often struggle with direction and clarity in their lives. When you don't know your purpose, you just wander through life, hoping that you'll stumble upon something meaningful. The absence of purpose can make individuals feel lost, unsure of where to invest their time, talents, and energy. This lack of direction and uncertainty can erode hope, as there may be a constant search for significance and fulfillment.
There is also a loss of Motivation and Passion. Purpose provides individuals with a sense of motivation and passion, driving them towards their goals and dreams. When one lacks a clear purpose, they may experience a diminishing of motivation and a loss of passion for life. Without purpose, we lose enthusiasm for living. And a life without enthusiasm slowly kills our hope. The absence of purpose can result in a gradual decline in enthusiasm, making it harder to maintain a hopeful outlook and pursue growth and personal development.
Now let’s take a deep breath after all that negative reflection. There are also hope builders. Let’s talk about a few of them.
#1: Jesus will finish what he has started in you.
Jesus finishing what He starts is beautifully illustrated in Hebrews 12:2, which states, "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
In Hebrews 12:2, Jesus is described as the "founder" of our faith. He initiated and established the foundation of our salvation through His life, teachings, death, and resurrection. Jesus came to fulfill God's redemptive plan and to reconcile humanity to Himself. His birth, ministry, and sacrificial death on the cross mark the beginning of salvation for all who would believe in Him.
The verse in Hebrews also identifies Jesus as the "perfecter" of our faith. This means that Jesus brings completeness, fulfillment, and maturity to our faith. He accomplishes this through His work in our lives, continually shaping and transforming us to become more like Him. Jesus perfects our faith by refining us, conforming us to His image, and empowering us to live faithfully and obediently.
The verse also emphasizes that Jesus endured the cross and despised its shame for the joy set before Him. Despite the immense suffering and humiliation He faced, Jesus remained steadfast and obedient to fulfill His mission. His endurance demonstrates His unwavering commitment to accomplish what He started. Jesus victoriously conquered sin and death through His resurrection, securing eternal salvation for all who believe in Him.
The truth that Jesus finishes what He starts brings hope and assurance to believers. His faithfulness guarantees that the work He began in us will reach completion. Philippians 1:6 affirms this, stating, "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." As we trust in Jesus and rely on His finished work on our behalf, we can have confidence that He will bring us to a place of spiritual maturity and ultimate glorification.
The second hope builder is Jesus has been where you are and beat it.
Jesus has been where we are without hope and triumphed over it. In order to understand this concept, we can refer to two specific passages from the Bible: Genesis 3:8 and Hebrews 4:14-16.
In Genesis 3:8, we find the account of Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden. After succumbing to temptation and eating the forbidden fruit, they experienced a loss of hope and a separation from God. When they heard God's presence in the garden, they hid themselves out of shame and fear. This event marked the entry of sin into the world, leading to brokenness and hopelessness for humanity.
Fast forward to Hebrews 4:14-16, and we encounter the beauty of Jesus' redemptive work. This passage highlights Jesus as a high priest, who sympathizes with our weaknesses and understands our struggles. It states that Jesus, the Son of God, passed through the heavens and became human, like us, in order to offer salvation and hope to those who believe in Him.
So, how does Jesus beat the hopelessness that stems from sin? By experiencing it Himself. He walked in our shoes, faced temptations, and felt the weight of human brokenness. This is further emphasized in Hebrews 4:15, which says, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin."
Jesus, being fully human and fully divine, endured the harsh realities of this fallen world. He experienced the same temptations, hardships, and hopelessness that we face. However, unlike us, He triumphed over sin and death. Through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and resurrection, Jesus overcame the very thing that had separated humanity from God since the events in Genesis 3.
This victory enables Jesus to empathize with our struggles and provide us with hope. Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that Jesus understands and sympathizes with our weaknesses. We can find mercy and grace in our time of need because Jesus has already triumphed over hopelessness, sin, and death.
Jesus walked the road you’re on and did it perfectly. If He’s your Savior you’re going to make it – not because of you but in spite of you.
The third hope builder is Jesus hasn’t left you alone.
Jesus has assured us that He has not left us alone through various scriptures, with one of the key references being John 14:18. In this verse, Jesus himself declares, "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."
To fully understand the significance of this statement, we can explore other related passages in the Bible. One such reference is Matthew 28:20, where Jesus says, "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." This verse reaffirms Jesus' promise to be with his followers throughout their lives, providing comfort, guidance, and encouragement.
Another supporting scripture is Hebrews 13:5, which echoes Jesus' words in John 14:18 by saying, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Here, the author of Hebrews reinforces the assurance that Jesus is constantly present and will not abandon us. This promise provides believers with the confidence that we are always in His care, even in times of difficulty or loneliness.
In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells his disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." He promises to send the Holy Spirit to dwell within believers. This indwelling Spirit acts as a constant companion, guiding, teaching, and empowering them in their faith journey.
Jesus' prayer in John 17:15 emphasizes that believers are not of this world, but are kept from evil by the Father. This understanding highlights the divine protection and guidance bestowed upon those who follow Jesus, ensuring that they are never left alone or abandoned.
Overall, these scriptures and cross-references demonstrate Jesus' commitment to never leaving us alone. His promise to be with us, accompanied by the indwelling Holy Spirit, provides a profound sense of comfort, support, and assurance. Regardless of our circumstances, Jesus affirms that He is always present, faithfully guiding and sustaining us through every season of life.
Go to him first. He is there.
The fourth hope builder is Jesus hears your prayers and is praying for you.
This might be one of the ones you think of the least but should remember the most.
The Bible provides us with several passages that illustrate how Jesus hears our prayers and intercedes on our behalf.
1 Peter 5:7 states, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." This verse reminds us that Jesus cares deeply about every aspect of our lives, including our worries and burdens. By casting our anxieties upon Him in prayer, we acknowledge His willingness to listen and provide comfort.
James 1:5-8 encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, assuring us that He generously gives it without finding fault. This passage emphasizes the importance of turning to God in prayer and trusting His response. It demonstrates Jesus' willingness to hear and answer our prayers, especially when we seek His guidance with a steadfast faith.
John 9:31 adds, "We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will." This verse emphasizes the significance of having a righteous relationship with God in order for our prayers to be heard. Jesus, being sinless Himself, intercedes for us, bridging the gap between our sinful nature and the Father.
1 John 5:14 states, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." Here, we are assured that when we approach God in alignment with His will, our prayers are heard. Jesus, as our advocate and mediator, intercedes on our behalf, presenting our prayers in accordance with God's will.
1 Peter 3:12 declares, "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their prayer." This verse highlights the attentiveness of God towards the prayers of the righteous. It communicates Jesus' role in presenting our prayers before the Father, ensuring that they are heard and received.
Romans 8:31-34 emphasizes that Jesus is at the right hand of God, interceding for us. The passage assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God, and Christ's intercessory role is instrumental in assuring our salvation and answered prayers.
Revelation 12:10 speaks of Satan being the "accuser of our brothers and sisters." However, it also highlights Jesus as the one who defeats the accuser through His sacrificial death and resurrection. This victory grants us access to the Father and strengthens our confidence that Jesus is on our side, praying for us.
We are encouraged to cast our anxieties upon Him, seek wisdom in prayer, and approach God's throne with confidence, knowing that Jesus advocates for us. He listens to our prayers, aligning them with God's will, and intercedes as our righteous mediator, ensuring they are heard and answered.
One final hope builder is that Jesus promises that your pain will have a purpose.
One of the questions we tend to ask when going through a very painful situation is, “what is this all for”?
In James 1:2-3, we read, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." This passage assures us that our pain and trials have a purpose, as they build and refine our faith. It teaches us to view challenges as opportunities for growth and to trust that God will use them to strengthen our character.
Similarly, Romans 5:3-5 states, "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Here, we learn that our suffering leads to perseverance, character development, and ultimately, hope. Our pain serves to shape us into who God intends us to be, instilling within us a steadfastness and resilience that fills us with hope.
God doesn't waste our pain; He uses it to prepare us for our purpose. This quote emphasizes that the difficulties we face in life are not in vain. God has a greater plan to use our pain as a preparation for the purpose He has for us.
The things you go through define your character and your purpose. This encourages us to understand that our experiences, including the painful ones, shape our character and contribute to our overall purpose in life. They are necessary elements in God's divine plan for our lives.
Pain can be our greatest teacher. This reminds us that even though pain is challenging, it can provide valuable lessons and insights that we may not have learned otherwise. Through our pain, we can gain wisdom, empathy, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and others.
Jesus assures us that our trials and suffering serve a greater purpose. Our pain refines our faith, builds our character, and fills us with hope. Through the transformative power of our experiences, God prepares and equips us for the purpose He has for our lives.
The picture of the cross is the greatest example of this hope builder. Through the cross, Jesus endured much pain, but none of it was pointless. No pain ever is. God will use it powerfully. Is your hope built on Jesus? Trust him to turn your pain into purpose.
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