When All Hope Is Gone

Hope is a word of optimism and expectation that looks forward with anticipation to the future, yet multitudes of people have lost their hope. Some are hopeless about specific areas such as their marriages, children, health, finances, or jobs. But for others, this emotion permeates their entire lives. They exist but have no hopes, dreams or goals. This is not the way God intends us to live. He created us to live with purpose, working towards goals and feeling a sense of anticipation for the future.

The story of Jesus and a Samaritan woman is one that gives hope to those who have lost it (John 4:1-42). Various life circumstances cause people to have a sense of hopelessness. The Samaritan woman had repeatedly failed and was isolated from her community. No one wanted to associate with her.

Jesus told her that He would give her living water and “everyone who drinks of this water shall never thirst” (vs.13-14). The woman was immediately interested in this living water.

She began the day as a rejected and hopeless woman, but found her hope restored in Jesus because He accepted her the way she was, didn’t condemn her and loved her unconditionally. She was no longer interested in well water because she had found living water. Leaving her waterpot, she went into the city, which had previously rejected her, boldly proclaiming that she had met the Messiah.

This once discouraged and ostracized woman became the city evangelist. She was now full of excitement and purpose, wanting everyone to know that Jesus had changed her life, and she would never be the same again.

As believers, we are called to pass the living water on to thirsty people who don’t know where to find it. Those who are living in disobedience, indulgence and worldly pursuits don’t realize that God created them for himself – to be His beloved children. That’s why He sent His Son Jesus to pay their sin debt in full. As followers of Christ we can lead them step by step into a relationship with Him just as Jesus did for the Samaritan woman.

(Adapted from Dr. Stanley’s sermon notes).

Contributed by Martin & Esther Gwengo