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Is There Hope? (Part 5 of Healing Series)

Introduction

We can know everything there is to know about healing. But in the end, we still suffer. There is still pain. There is still sickness and death. Add to that are the many other losses we also experience. Loss of jobs. Loss of a dream. Loss of a relationship. Loss of a ministry. We grieve because of all these losses. Is there hope?

FOUR CHOICES

  1. Choose emotional honesty (Psalm 39:12-13; Psalm 31:9-10; 2 Cor 1:8-9). To experience hope, we need to choose emotional honesty rather than pretending that everything is okay. Scripture encourages us to come to God with our emotions, even if they are negative. In fact, we should talk to God especially when our emotions are negative. We should also be honest with others.
  2. Consider it as an opportunity (Psalm 34:18; Psalm 147:3; 2 Cor 12:8-9). Going through a season of grieving or suffering is an opportunity to experience the nearness of God. Instead of running away, we should run to God. Often, when we are vulnerable, we are more open to God. Many people miss out on experiencing God during times of difficulty because they tend to run away from God or escape their problems.
  3. Cooperate with the process (2 Cor 1:3-4; Jas 1:2-4). There is a process that eventually leads to hope. It will not happen immediately. But we must be aware of that process and cooperate with God through that process. God will see us through the valley until we reach the other side.
  4. Celebrate with expectation (Psalm 126:5-6; Rom 8:28; Phil 1:21-26). Even though suffering is difficult, in the end, we know God will work out everything for our good, even if it may not look good to us or to others. Goodness is always the prerogative of God, and He alone can define what goodness means because He alone is good. So trusting God in the midst of suffering or grieving will always lead to hope.

Conclusion

  1. Choosing hope while grieving is life-transforming.
  2. If you are going through some kind of grieving right now, choose Honesty, Opportunity, Process, and Expectation (HOPE).
  3. Use this sermon to discuss grieving with your loved ones and friends and then encourage one another.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why is it important to choose hope in the midst of suffering or grieving?
  2. Which of the four choices do you need to practice now? Why?
  3. How will you specifically practice it?

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