Eternal Hope
In our last teaching video in our 2024 ‘Surprising Hope’ series, Naomi Wolfe reflects on 2 Corinthians 4:16-28 and the eternal hope we have in Jesus.
A transcript of Ben Chong's reflection can be downloaded here.
In today’s teaching video Ben Chong reflects on Lamentations 3:21-24 and the persevering hope we find in Jesus.
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
Lamentations 3:21-24
Ben Chong, Director of the SURRENDER Leadership program, shares a moving personal reflection on finding hope in the ‘Yet’ we have Jesus - in the midst of our grief, lament and suffering, Jesus is with us, helping us persevere and wait with the expectant and surprising hope we have in Him.
We invite you to pray and continue reflecting on Ben Chong's reflection today.
Reflect:
What space do you need to speak out your laments to God? How could you find that space?
Ben describes hope not as a "bright or victorious thing" but as "a desperate hanging on, having nothing else but God." Reflect on a time in your life when hope felt like a fragile thread. How did this experience change your understanding or relationship with hope?
The word 'Yet' is emphasized as a turning point from despair to hope, encapsulated in the defiance to still hope in God’s promises despite overwhelming circumstances. Can you think of a 'Yet' moment in your life or in the life of someone you know, where despite their circumstances, they chose to persevere with their hope in God? How did this decision manifest in practical ways, and what impact did it have on your or their journey of faith?
Pray:
God of compassion,
Grant us what we need to love, to grieve, to heal, to repent, to hope.
Help us to trust, and hold on to your promise: that you will fill us with all joy, peace, and hope as we trust in you, so that we will overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).
Hear our cries and the cries of the voiceless. Bless those who grieve and mourn as creation groans. And fix our eyes on the coming Kingdom as we wait.
In the face of grief, lament, oppression, injustice, and overwhelming suffering, we place our trust in you.
Amen
Ben Chong lives on Gubbi Gubbi Country with his wife Chelsea and their two daughters. Ben directs the SURRENDER Leadership Program, helping emerging culturally diverse leaders to lead sustainably from overflow and rest. He also coaches leaders through Blueprint Leadership Coaching and leads discipleship coaching training with Veta Youth.
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