Hopelessness has no place in the life of a follower of Christ.

Why?

Because we have been made new in the grace and mercy of the Gospel. We are adopted into the family of God. This is cause for incredible hope!

The follower of Jesus always has hope because of the promise of things to come. The Gospel of Jesus Christ offers us freedom from fear and trembling in hopelessness. This is Gospel 101 – the gift of salvation is a promise of hope.

Now, you might be thinking – Well, that sounds great, but what about all the broken and hurting people in the world? And you’re right. Life can certainly appear pretty hopeless: full of chaos, pain, and regret. And if your hope is in anything other than Christ, you will be disappointed time and time again.

Think about it:

• If my hope is in my career – what happens when I fail to reach my goal or worse, I achieve the dream job only to find it doesn’t satisfy?
• If my hope is in relationships – what happens when undoubtedly someone lets me down?
• If my hope is in government – what happens when my political party or government falls short?

My only hope is to trust in a hope that does not fade or change with circumstances. To place my faith in the eternal and sovereign Jesus who covers me in His grace and offers new life, both in the here and now, and the promise of an eternal life to come. It is a hope that does not change or fade with circumstances. It is a hope that sees beyond this life. It is a hope that cannot be taken away by the suffering of this world. It is a hope that God alone can give – a hope worth waiting for. Jesus Christ is an invitation to receive hope in a hopeless world.

Adapted from a sermon by Senior Pastor George Wright, Shades Mountain Baptist Church