Hope for the Hopeless

Jesus replied, “There are some things that people cannot do, but God can do anything.”

Luke 18:27 (CEV)

Anger, jealousy, lies, hatred . . . many are the sins that keep pulling us back in and holding us down. One little taste and suddenly we’re drowning in it, feeling hopeless to ever find a way out. When we struggle with the same sin over and over, it’s a sin cycle.

But God doesn’t leave us in our sin. No case is too hard for him, no heart too cold, no person too far gone.

In the verses just before today's key Scripture, Jesus talks with a man about what it takes to be saved. Although the man seemed to have it all together, he turned away from Jesus thinking he could not do what was required. Those who saw what happened seemed confused and thought, if this man couldn’t do it, who could?

But Jesus assured them that God can do anything. He offers grace and gives the power to break free from sin cycles. This begins when we accept his offer of salvation, start a relationship with Jesus, and begin trusting him. For some it’s cold turkey—they can stop their wrong actions right away and never go back. For many, it’s a daily process that requires us to work at it and be accountable to people. We mess up but keep on trying.

Can you trust God to help you break a sin cycle in your life? Go to him today, in prayer, and tell him about it. Nothing is impossible for God, and no one who trusts in him is hopeless.

SPIRITUAL FITNESS TRAINING

One of the ways God helps us break free from sin is to give us a battle buddy to hold us accountable. Who can you talk to about your struggles? Do you have a friend, sibling, youth pastor, mentor, or parent who loves God and can act in this role for you? Can you check in with each other at a set time, like every Friday before school, or the first day of every month? Thinking ahead to have this support will help you break free from a cycle of sin!

INSPIRATION

“You will argue with yourself that there is no way forward. But with God, nothing is impossible. He has more ropes and ladders and tunnels out of pits than you can conceive. Wait. Pray without ceasing. Hope.”

—John Piper, American pastor and author

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help you expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Isaiah 59:1

Jeremiah 32:27

Ephesians 2:8–9

Hebrews 12:1