Main Thought
Few events can match the sheer excitement of a great sports comeback. God can use the setbacks in our lives, and in the world, to prepare comebacks too. God has a divine plan for hope. The world’s hopelessness can become a stage on which God’s eternal hope can stand out. This hope, in turn, creates an opportunity for us to discover purpose, when God brings us out of hopelessness and into His hope. He soothes us and strengthens us; then, we gain the opportunity to inspire and help others. But we can’t do this on our own. Jesus Christ - who rose from the grave in the greatest comeback ever - gives us the power to pursue Him and mount our own comebacks. If we’ll seek Him with all of our hearts, in spite of our hopelessness, then we’ll find Him right where we need Him.
Main Passages
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
- Jeremiah 29:11
12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
- Jeremiah 29:12-13
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?
What are some successful things you’ve done to seek God in the midst of a difficult, frustrating, or even hopeless situation?
Has God ever used your difficulties to inspire someone around you? Pray for someone you could engage with the gospel, and for an opportunity to introduce hope in God to them.