Can Hope Really Rise from the Darkest Moments?
When life shakes us to our core—through loss, broken relationships, economic uncertainty, or inner battles—we often find ourselves asking: Where is hope now? It's in these moments, when the lights go out in our world and in our hearts, that we begin to feel just how deep the darkness can be. And it’s in that very place where the light of Jesus shines brightest.
The truth is, we all sense a gap. A space between who we are and who we were created to be. A distance between the chaos of our world and the peace our souls long for. Scripture describes this gap in Romans 3:23: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” It’s a gap that no amount of good deeds, religious rituals, or self-help strategies can bridge. Our best efforts still leave us short.
But that’s exactly why Jesus came.
Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Jesus didn’t come just to teach, heal, or inspire—He came to bridge the impossible gap between humanity and God. His cross was not the end of the story; it was the turning point in ours. He didn’t remain in the tomb. He rose again, declaring once and for all that despair doesn’t get the final word—hope does.
In John 5:24, Jesus says, “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed from death to life.” That’s what Easter is all about. It’s more than a day on the calendar—it’s an invitation to cross over into a new life. To go from hopeless to hopeful, from lost to found, from broken to being made whole.
And here's the beautiful part: this is for everyone. No matter your past, your doubts, or your mistakes. Jesus doesn’t wait on the other side urging you to try harder—He steps into the gap Himself and says, “Let me carry you.” Like the women who walked to the tomb in the dark, only to find that death had been defeated, we too can walk toward Jesus and find life waiting for us.
The same power that rolled away the stone is still rolling stones today. No grave is too deep. No story is too far gone. Jesus still bridges the gap. Will you let Him?
What “gaps” have you personally experienced between where you are and where you believe God created you to be?
How do you typically respond when life feels dark or uncertain?
Romans 6:23 says that the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus. What does that gift look like to you in everyday life?
Why do you think so many people—including us—try to bridge the gap with performance, good deeds, or knowledge?
What might it look like for you to trust Jesus to “carry you across” the gap in this current season of your life?