Hope through Adversity

Sliding doors

turn one way or the other

turn towards the light, or surrender to the dark

What keeps us going through the dark times?

Hope.

Things will get better, often in spite of evidence to the contrary

Virtuous circle - gift of faith and grace leads to hope of the glory of God, seeds of hope are planted in the midst of our suffering. Through our perseverance, those seeds grow and shape our character, then bear fruit in a harvest of hope that we can offer to God and to others.

We’ve been through our own suffering. 40 days and 40 nights.

What helped you to persevere?

The coronavirus has laid bare the character of our world, and while there are some beautiful things that have come, as time goes on, many of the ugly, hidden truths of our world have been laid bare.

Inequality and suffering.

Unrest over racial tension.

Inequality.

We’re not immune here in Timaru. Our own council is proposing that they raise social housing rents by 8% in order to cut rates increases for those who can afford to live in their own homes.

What character is displayed here?

If our hope comes from Christ, then our character should reflect his character as well.

While we were still sinners Christ died for us.

Question:

What core values do we want to shape our character as Christians?

Tolerance < Kindness < Love

That’s where hope is to be found.