Hope In A Dark World

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” ~ John 1:5

Work through the sections below. Choose answers, write reflections if you wish, and finish with one practical step of faith.

SECTION 1:

Start the conversation

What makes it hardest for people to hold on to hope today?

•Conflict, hatred and division.

•Personal pain, illness or grief.

•Fear and uncertainty about the future

•Feeling alone, forgotten or powerless

Choose one or more. There are no wrong answers; use your choices to start a group discussion.

What would you add?

SECTION 2:

Discover the truth

Read Romans 15:13.

According to this passage, where does hope come from?

•From everything going according to plan

•From God, as we trust Him

•From being able to control the future

Take time write down or share your own personal reflections.

SECTION 3:

Be the light

Read Matthew 5:14–16.

Which action could bring the light of Christ to someone this week?

•Encourage someone who feels forgotten

•Help a person facing a practical need

•Respond to disagreement with grace

• Stand beside someone being mistreated

Who might need hope from you?

SECTION 4:

Three honest questions

Take a moment with each question. Share only what feels comfortable.

1). What challenges your hope most when you look at the world?

2). How can you show the love of Jesus to someone who is struggling?

3). How can you trust God when you cannot see what He is doing?

SECTION 5:

Choose your hope challenge

Select at least one action to put into practice over the next seven days.

Challenge 1: Feed my hope: Spend time in scripture and prayer.

Challenge 2: Encourage someone: Reach out to three people with kindness or practical help.

Challenge 3: Be a hope-bringer: take one action to address suffering, division or loneliness around me.

Complete this sentence: “This week, I will bring hope by…”

Take time to write down or share your own personal reflections.