A Living Hope
By [God’s] great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. —1 Peter 1:3
READ: 1 Peter 1:1-12
REFLECT: One of the most difficult times in my life was when my sons were two and three years old. My husband and I separated, and I felt overwhelmed. I wondered how I would get through the pain and sadness. I looked for glimmers of hope that would give me strength and courage.
God’s mercy was poured out upon me in miraculous ways. Friends and family helped with childcare. We were invited out for meals. Friends looked after the maintenance of our house. I felt the love and prayers of many people. Through this dark time I discovered the power of Jesus’ resurrection.
The resurrection is not just something we celebrate at Easter. Because we have a living Savior, we also have a living hope. The resurrection guarantees that God will honor all of God’s promises to us. That hope keeps us going in the darkest times.
Perhaps you are feeling hopeless because of your circumstances in your life, whether financial pressures, illness, family problems, or job uncertainties. Even though we walk close to God, we are not immune to feelings of hopelessness. Sometimes God allows us to face hopeless situations so that we seek God in new ways.
We can know that God is with us. We can trust God to restore our hope and faith. Because of the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have a living hope!
—Sandi Hannigan Marr
RESPOND: God of all hope, your presence with me never changes. No matter what unexpected challenges come my way, you promise to care for me. Help me trust in you.