Central Truth

There is hope for the hopeless.  This hope is found in God's love and the grace He freely gives to all who accept it through the sacrifice of His one and only son, Jesus Christ.

---

Reflections

Have you ever felt discouraged?  Have you ever felt like nobody really cares about you?  If you're participating in this, I think it's safe for me to assume that at some point in your life, you've felt like you didn't have any hope.  But what is hope?  A quick look at the dictionary reveals that hope is "the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best" or "a person or thing in which expectations are centered."

Thinking back on my own life, I remember early high school as one of my most hopeless times.  I felt like I had to be perfect.  I had to make the best grade on every assignment in every class, because I placed my hope in my own abilities.  Not only did I think I had to be perfect, I actually thought I could be.  I thought that it was all my fault when I couldn't achieve the things I wanted to achieve.  I was believing a lie.

"But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.  This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.  There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:21-24)

My hope, misplaced in myself and my own abilities, only filled me with disappointment and depression.  This was because I centered my expectations on myself, and as Romans 3:23 points out, I fall short. But when I put my hope in God, "the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best" becomes reality.  Even when I fail to see the big picture, I can rest assured "that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

Experience hope today by trusting in God.

---

Discussion Questions

1. Think of a time when you felt hopeless about something.  In that time, what do you think caused you to feel like you didn't have any hope?

2. At that time, what could you have done to put your hope in God?

3. In the future, what steps can you take to assure that you place your hope in God?

---