Three Lives Changed by the Resurrectionਨਮੂਨਾ

Hope is not optimism. Optimism is psychological; hope is theological. Optimism is often a denial of reality. It’s positive thinking, not permanent trust. Optimism is pretending things aren’t that bad. Optimism tries to deny the fact that sometimes life really is that bad.

Hope never does that. Hope is always reality. Hope says, “Yep it’s bad; it’s really, really bad. In fact, I don’t think it’s been any worse than it is right now. But I believe God can bring us through this. I believe God is in control.”

Take a look at what happened when Peter encountered the hope of Jesus after he fell harder than he could have ever imagined.

Peter: It’s never too late for a fresh start.

Peter—the bold, energetic, risk-taking disciple—told Jesus during the Last Supper, “I will never deny you” (Matthew 26:35 NLT). But then, that same night, Peter denied Jesus three separate times. Peter was left devastated by his failure. But after his resurrection, Jesus didn’t leave Peter in his shame. John 21 tells how Jesus asked Peter three times some form of the question, “Do you love me?” Each time Peter said that he did. And three times, Jesus gave him a chance to start over again with a new mission: “Feed my sheep.”

Jesus will do the same for you. No matter how much you’ve messed up, it’s never too late for God to use you; it’s never too late for a fresh start.

It’s also never too late to have your past forgiven, get a purpose for living, and look forward to a home in heaven. The Bible calls it being born again. If you want to be born again, pray this:

“Dear God, I know I’ve sinned, and I don’t deserve your love. But you loved me so much that you sent Jesus to die for me. I believe in him, and I trust that through him, I can have eternal life. Please forgive me for my sins. I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior, and I give my life to him. Thank you for loving me, saving me, and giving me a fresh start. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

If you just prayed to accept Jesus, please email Pastor Rick at Rick@PastorRick.com and let him know. He’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus.