For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (Romans 15:4)
Have you ever had an experience in your life where the outcome seemed hopeless? Many of us, if not all of us can respond to this question with a resounding, “Yes!” How did you react to the situation? Did you raise up your hands and give up in resignation and defeat? This may seem to be a logical and human response, but as believers, we have a better way of looking at things.
Jesus, the true Light that shined in the darkness, came to defeat the deep darkness of God’s people, which includes you and me. Jesus faced the ultimate hopeless situation – death on the cross. However, the story doesn’t end there. He overcame death and with His victory, He made the way possible for us to have everlasting life through Him.
So how do we respond to things in this life? Things that can leave us feeling powerless and hopeless come in many forms. We place our hope and trust in God. With Christ’s strength, we can overcome great obstacles, and faith in Jesus gives hope and help to overcome: “And this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).
“The word hope I take for faith; and indeed hope is nothing else but the constancy of faith." - John Calvin