Hopeless? – 27 April 2007

There are many apparently hopeless situations in the Bible, here are just a few examples:

· Gideon and 300 men against the Midianite army (Judges 8)
· David fleeing from his would-be murderer Saul (1 Samuel 19-31)
· Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego entering the fiery furnace (Daniel 3)
· Daniel entering the lions den (Daniel 6)
· Jesus dead on the cross (John 19)

Yet if we read on in each passage we see that although logic dictates there is no hope, the outcome shows that the power of God gives us something unique - a hope that can inspire real faith.

Does your situation feel hopeless today? Have you experienced a positive outcome in a “hopeless” position? This is the stuff that people need to hear about – your testimony can encourage and plant hope where there is little to be found.

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:15-16 [NIV]

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5 [NIV]

God of hope, change our lives today and make us willing to talk about the hope we find in you – by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Amen