Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Pet 1:3

There is a common saying, ‘While there’s life, there’s hope.’ You may have witnessed or heard reports of great tragedies and devastation in the lives of others over the past several months. There has been loss of precious loved ones, complete loss of homes and properties in fires, storms, and disasters. Peoples’ lives as they knew, completely changed in a moment. Though tragedy and loss may have knocked them down and crippled them for a moment, many were able to find hope and meaning in Jesus Christ. The scripture passage reminds us that God has “begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” We are new creatures in Christ (2 Cor 5:17) born again to a living hope through the His resurrection. The apostle Paul says the same “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead” (1 Cor 15:19-20). Jesus paid the price for the sin of the world. He died in our place and destroyed “him that had the power of death, that is, the devil” (Heb 2:14). Death lost its sting through His resurrection. The child of God does not need to fear death anymore. We have “a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” and the assurance of heaven for all eternity. Even in death, great tragedy, loss, and devastation, there is hope. Physical death is unavoidable, but the word of God promises “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation” (1 Pet 1:4-5). Dear friend, when troubles strike and loss seems to overwhelm you, where is your hope? When times are darkest, where do you turn? Hear the Father say, “be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord” (Ps 31:24). My friend, trust and rely on the word of God to lead you, guide you, strengthen you, and sustain you with a living hope to face life’s darkest moments and “walk through the valley of the shadow of death” (Ps 23:4). Only have hope “according to His abundant mercy.” Father thank You for Your love and the living hope of eternal life through Jesus. Help me to be strong and of good courage, and to walk in Your faithfulness. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.