<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd 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.\u201d\u00a0<\/em>– The Apostle Paul giving encouragement to those in need of hope in Philippians<\/a> 1:6 (ESV)<\/strong><\/p>\n
\u201cI have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. \u201c\u00a0<\/em>-Jesus in John 16:33 (ESV)<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
IN DESPERATE NEED<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Since Adam and Eve were cast from the garden, every generation has been on a desperate search for hope<\/strong>. Trust that there is a cure, that there is a way out, that something \u2018I\u2019 can do will make all things right again. For those of us who have placed our faith in Jesus we know that He alone is our hope.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s only through his saving grace that our desperate search for hope finds an answer.<\/em><\/p>\n
WE’RE INCOMPLETE<\/strong><\/h3>\n
But, here\u2019s the thing, it\u2019s not yet fully complete. The day of Jesus Christ that the Apostle Paul references in Philippians 1:6 (see above) is yet to come. Our hope begins when we accept the gift of God\u2019s grace and say \u2018yes\u2019 to Jesus – and it\u2019s fully and wholly completed on Christ\u2019s return.\u00a0 So what do we do in the meantime? What do we do when health fails, depression overwhelms, and the circumstances of life overwhelm us?<\/p>\n
CLING<\/strong><\/h3>\n
We still cling to hope!<\/em><\/p>\n
We still believe the promises of Jesus (see above verse) and at that moment \u2013 as the writer of Hebrews says \u2013 hope becomes our anchor. If Jesus isn\u2019t that hope that anchors us down – then just like a ship in a storm<\/strong> – we become lost, aimless, and desperate.<\/p>\n
Have you ever felt like that? <\/em><\/p>\n
I certainly have and it\u2019s in those seasons of desperation that\u00a0everything the world has to offer\u00a0is no more solid than sinking sand. \u00a0Jesus says, we \u2018will have tribulation\u2019 but despite the hardships of life we choose trust and expectation. Trust in him and his promises – knowing he is faithful.<\/p>\n
This is the good news the world needs to hear and we need build our lives on!<\/p>\n
LACEY STURM’S STORY<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Watch the video below to hear how the reality of Jesus brought hope despite the circumstances of life. If you find yourself in a\u00a0season that has tried to steal your hope\u00a0check out\u00a0the book 365 Days of Hope<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0or check\u00a0out other great books on hope here. <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n