Is There Really Hope for the Hurting?

Is there hope for hurting people? Does God care? Does His Word offer solutions? Does Jesus know my name and my pain?

Yes, He does!!!

When Jesus proclaimed the Good News He quoted Isaiah 61:1-2.

StartFragmentIsaiah 61:1-2 (NIV) 1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn....

EndFragmentHis purpose was to bring hope into the darkness of our lives. Part of the Gospel message is that God became flesh SO He could completely identify with us humans. He carried our griefs, our shame, our sickness and our despair right to the cross. Regardless of how we view ourselves, Jesus decided we were worth dying for! Whatever you are struggling with today He knows you, He gets you, and He has an answer just for you.

This Easter week as we look more closely at the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, we celebrate that His death gives us life, His sacrifice redeems us from Satan's dominion, and His resurrection gives us hope of an eternity in Heaven. How sad that so many Christians believe these truths but do not experience the joy and freedom that are God's gifts to His own!

Years ago God led me into small group ministry. In this setting I have seen broken people healed and set free from the chains of their past. I have seen hope break through the clouds of insecurity and fear. And, I've seen Christians learn to follow our Lord Jesus Christ in a way that is exciting and fulfilling.

My personal passion is to help people find the healing that our Lord has already purchased for them. We all have areas that we need to surrender to Christ. When we are willing to do so, the Holy Spirit comes along beside us and guides us toward God's purpose.

Victory’s Journey (formerly Journey to Joy) and Moving On small groups offer opportunities for hurting members of Christ’s Body to be touched by God's extended hands. These groups do not take the place of professional counseling, but they offer the chance to feel God's love and acceptance in a safe setting.