Carriers of Hope to the Lost
By Rev. John B. Sorensen
Evangelism Explosion International
So many people live without hope. They’ve been hurt. They feel forgotten, unloved. They feel that the world has failed them and their children. The sad thing is, they truly believe that nothing will ever change.
As Christians, we often forget that we once lived that way too. We were once in darkness, without hope (Ephesians 5:8). But something changed. We found what the world around us craves the most. Our lives were transformed. We realized that God hasn’t abandoned us. Just the opposite: He loved us so much that He sent Jesus to die for us so that we could live forever with Him. That gives us hope, not just for today, but for eternity.
Through Christ, we have life. We have a purpose and a reason for being. That hope anchors our soul, firm and secure (Hebrews 6:19). The circumstances in our lives may not change, but we have the hope of eternity with Jesus in Heaven. That changes our outlook on everything.
So, if we have what the world desires so much, then why do we miss sharing it?
Many Christians are afraid, or they don’t want to offend others. But consider this: what if the person who told you about this hope never had the courage to speak? Where would you be today if you never had the chance to receive it? The truth is, every day, people around the world die without ever once hearing or understanding that they could have this hope.
The bottom line is that we, as Christians, have been entrusted to carry hope to the lost. When we share our faith with others, we are not shoving our religion down someone’s throat. We are sharing healing, forgiveness, love, and ultimately hope. All these things are found in Jesus Christ.
So, are you a carrier of hope? Isaiah 52:7 says, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation…” When we share the Gospel, we bring that good news. We share that peace. And we point the way to salvation.
Our faith is not about religion. It’s about the opportunity to have a relationship with God. Most people don’t realize it’s the God of the universe who seeks us out. He pursues us. He wants that personal relationship. And when many of them grasp that truth, they run to Him.
If you want to be that carrier and take hope into a world that desperately needs some good news – some hope, start where you are. Pray for opportunities to share your story of hope. Then, be brave. Take a leap of faith and share that story. God just may use you to change someone’s life for eternity.
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Rev. John B. Sorensen, D.D. is the President/CEO of Evangelism Explosion International, headquartered in Arden, N.C. EE has been a leader in equipping Christians to share their faith for more than 50 years. For more free tips and resources, visit evangelismexplosion.org, or follow John on Twitter, @jbsoresen.
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