A MESSAGE OF CHRISTIAN HOPE · A PERSONAL REFLECTION FROM FAMILY MEDIA

We are not the first generation to face difficult times

Sometimes the news from around the world can almost take our breath away. We see war, violence, corruption and suffering. Closer to home, families are struggling with sickness, unemployment, debt, addiction and disappointment.

When one piece of bad news follows another, it can feel as though darkness is taking over. Even people with a strong faith can become tired, discouraged and afraid.

The apostle Peter wrote his first letter to Christians who were scattered and suffering. Peter did not write as someone who had always been strong. Before Jesus was arrested, he promised that he would never abandon Him. Only a few hours later, Peter denied Him three times.

Peter lost his courage when he needed it most. Yet Jesus did not reject him. After the resurrection, Jesus restored Peter and gave him a new purpose. Peter's failure did not become the final chapter of his life.

An illustration of Peter by fishing boats at sunrise

The resurrection changed everything

“Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for.”
1 Peter 1:3-5, The Message

Peter adds an extraordinary thought: the future starts now.

Christian hope does not require us to pretend that nothing is wrong. Faith does not mean closing our eyes to suffering, denying our pain or acting as though difficult circumstances do not affect us. Hope means that what we see today does not have the final word.

Death was not the end. Peter's failure was not the end. The suffering of those early Christians was not the end. Whatever you are facing today does not have to be the end of your story either.

An illustration of the empty tomb in golden morning light

Do not allow today's trouble to steal tomorrow's hope

Peter continues by saying that God is keeping careful watch over us and our future. That does not mean Christians will never become sick, lose someone they love, experience financial hardship or face disappointment. Jesus never promised His followers a life without trouble.

But God promises that trouble will not have the final victory.

Perhaps you are worried about your health. Maybe you are concerned about your children, your marriage or your finances. Perhaps you have prayed for a long time and nothing appears to be changing.

The God who restored Peter can restore your courage. The God who raised Jesus from the dead can bring new life into situations that appear hopeless. You may not yet see the answer, but your future is still secure in God's hands.

Hope begins when we help someone continue

A telephone call, a prayer, a meal, an encouraging message or simply sitting beside someone in pain can remind that person that they have not been forgotten. We cannot solve every problem, but we can carry hope into someone's darkness.

One message at the right moment can restore courage

Every day, people listen and watch Family Media from homes, hospitals, workplaces and vehicles. Some are celebrating. Others are quietly carrying burdens that nobody around them knows about.

One message at the right moment can restore courage. One prayer can remind someone that they are not alone. One clear presentation of the Gospel can point a life in a new direction.

If you believe Kenya needs Christian media that offers truthful and practical hope, please consider becoming a Family Media partner.

A family finding encouragement together through radio and digital media