Hope In Time Of Crisis
Randall Caselman
6/4/97
Hope In Time Of Crisis
Perhaps the saddest verse in the Bible is found in John thirteen,
Judas went out and it was night. For Judas there was no rainbow in the clouds, no light at the end of the tunnel, there was no hope, all was darkness, darkness of the soul. For Judas, this darkness, hopelessness resulted in tragedy.
The apostles experienced this kind of helplessness on the Sea of Galilee. The night was black, the winds tossed the ship about, white caps pushed water over the sides . The ship was quickly filling with water. They were drenched, knuckles were white, minds filled with fear, hearts beat fast. If something didn't happen soon they were going to die. Things looked hopeless.
We have all been there. Because of life's circumstances or because of our own inappropriate behavior we feel empty, trapped and that things are hopeless..
We must never give-up. There is always hope. Judas could have repented of his actions, changed his life as did Peter. Jesus could come rescue us from life's stormy seas as He did the Apostles.
There is always hope. The Hebrews writer declares hope is the anchor of the soul. Hope, we all need it. Mankind survives on hope: hope for today, hope for tomorrow, hope for healing, hope for better times, hope for forgiveness, hope for heaven. What would we be, what would life be without hope?
So, the question becomes, where is our anchor, where is our hope? If it is in our careers, in our education, in our investments, in Social Security, in our government, in our health or our ability to dodge disease, then we are in serious trouble. The day can turn dark quickly, life can be tossed upon a troubled sea, without warning the storm clouds can gather. What do we do, to whom do we turn? Where can we find hope in the time of crisis? Let me suggest some possibilities from scripture. After all, His word is a lamp to our feet and a light for our path...
Right?
Remember God's love.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life... And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose... He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?.. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Remember His Forgiveness.
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. No man has to live under the burden of guilt. We do not have to hide in the darkness because of sin's shame. Sin can be forgiven.
Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins... What are you waiting for? Get up, be baptised and wash your sins away... For all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ... Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. As baptized believers, we can be delivered from the darkness of guilt so very simply,
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. It is just that simple. Don't' let anyone tell you differently, allow God to give you His hope.
Remember His presence The Lord is my shepherd... Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me... Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you... Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.
Remember His promise of Heaven.
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am... He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
If your living under a cloudy sky, if you are struggling with sin or the darkness of life's circumstance, do not give up. There is hope because of God's love, His forgiveness, presence and the promise of heaven.
Some startling discoveries were made several years ago at Duke University. Researchers setup two vats nearly full of water. Several labratory mice were placed in the vats. The lid was put in place. The lid had a small hole in it. At first this hole was plugged. There was no light, no hope. One of the mice lasted six minutes. Then the researchers took the plug out of the lid so that they could see the light. The first mouse swam for thirty-six hours before they stopped the experiment. We all need the light of hope.
Regardless of how dark the moment, remember there is hope. God will not allow us to be overcome.
— Randall Caselman
