Embracing God's Love: Sharing Hope and Transformation

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Power to Bring Great Reversals

No situation is too dark or desperate for God to intervene and bring about a complete reversal. Even when circumstances seem utterly hopeless, as in the story of the besieged city facing famine and certain death, God is able to act in ways that no one could imagine. He can turn scarcity into abundance, despair into hope, and defeat into victory, often in ways that surprise and humble us. When we trust in God’s promises and power, we can face even the bleakest moments with hope, knowing that He is the God of great reversals. [30:24]

2 Kings 7:1-2 (ESV)
But Elisha said, “Hear the word of the Lord: thus says the Lord, Tomorrow about this time a seah of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel, at the gate of Samaria.” Then the captain on whose hand the king leaned said to the man of God, “If the Lord himself should make windows in heaven, could this thing be?” But he said, “You shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it.”

Reflection: Where in your life or in the life of someone you know does everything seem hopeless? Can you ask God today to bring His great reversal into that situation, trusting Him even when it seems impossible?

Day 2: Sharing the Good News Is Our Responsibility

When we experience God’s goodness and see His hand at work, we are called not to keep it to ourselves but to share it with others. Like the four lepers who discovered the abandoned camp and realized, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news,” we too must resist the temptation to remain silent. God entrusts us with the message of hope and deliverance, and it is our privilege and duty to let others know of His love and provision, especially those who are still in darkness or despair. [29:15]

2 Kings 7:9 (ESV)
Then they said to one another, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news. If we are silent and wait until the morning light, punishment will overtake us. Now therefore come, let us go and tell the king’s household.”

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear some good news today? What is one way you can share God’s hope or encouragement with them before the day is over?

Day 3: You Are Part of a Holy Priesthood

Every believer has direct access to God and is called to be part of a “holy priesthood,” offering spiritual sacrifices and interceding for others. This means you are empowered to pray for your neighbors, listen for God’s leading, and even speak words of encouragement or hope as God prompts you. You don’t have to be perfect or have all the answers; God honors your willingness to step out in faith and love, even when it feels risky or uncomfortable. [41:54]

1 Peter 2:4-5 (ESV)
As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Reflection: Is there someone God is putting on your heart to pray for or encourage this week? Will you take a step of faith and ask God how you can serve as a priest for them?

Day 4: God’s Love Holds the Whole World—Including Your Neighbor

God’s hands are big enough to hold the whole world, every person, every problem, and every need. His love is not limited by our understanding or by the size of our challenges. When you feel small or overwhelmed, remember that you are held by a God who is passionately in love with you—and so is your neighbor. God’s care extends to every person, and He invites us to trust Him for ourselves and to extend that same assurance to those around us. [15:39]

Isaiah 40:11-12 (ESV)
He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance?

Reflection: When you think of God holding your neighbor in His hands, how does that change the way you see or treat them today?

Day 5: Taking Risks for God Brings Blessing

God is most pleased when we are willing to take risks for Him—when we step out in faith, even if it means being vulnerable or misunderstood. Loving your neighbor as yourself may require you to move beyond comfort, to pray boldly, to speak a word of encouragement, or to serve in a way that stretches you. God honors the try, not just the outcome, and He delights in using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things when they are willing to trust Him and act. [44:07]

Romans 12:1 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Reflection: What is one specific risk you can take this week to show God’s love to a neighbor, even if it feels uncomfortable or uncertain? Will you ask God for the courage to try?

Sermon Summary

This morning, we gathered to remember the vastness of God’s love and the hope that burns within us, even when life feels impossible. God’s mercy and forgiveness are not just abstract ideas—they are real, personal, and available to each of us, no matter our failures or weaknesses. We are reminded that God holds the whole world in His hands, every person, every creature, every problem, and that nothing is too great for Him to carry. When we feel small or overwhelmed, we can trust that God is both big enough to handle our burdens and loving enough to care deeply for us.

Reflecting on the story of the besieged city in the Old Testament, we see how God can bring about a great reversal even in the darkest circumstances. The city was surrounded, famine was severe, and hope seemed lost. Yet, through the faithfulness of a true prophet and the unlikely courage of four outcast lepers, God’s deliverance broke through. The lepers, upon discovering the abandoned enemy camp and its abundance, realized that good news is not meant to be hoarded. They risked sharing it, even when it seemed unbelievable, and in doing so, became instruments of God’s salvation for their community.

This story challenges us to consider our own role as bearers of good news. We are called a “priesthood of all believers,” meaning each of us has access to God and a responsibility to intercede for our neighbors. Our world is full of people in darkness—struggling with loss, brokenness, or despair. God invites us to pray for them, to listen for His leading, and sometimes to take the risk of sharing a word of encouragement or hope, even if it feels uncomfortable or risky. We may not always get it right, but God honors our willingness to try, to be vulnerable, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.

The greatest gift we can offer is to help others connect to Christ, the source of all hope and transformation. This may look like a simple act of kindness, a prayer, a word of encouragement, or sharing our faith when prompted by God’s Spirit. As we step out in faith, God promises to work through us, bringing His love and light into the darkest places. Imagine the impact if each of us took that risk this week—how many lives could be touched, how many stories of reversal and hope could unfold. May we be living offerings, willing to try, trusting that God will bless our efforts and use us to make His love real to our neighbors.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s love and power are vast enough to hold the whole world—including all our problems and fears—in His hands. When we feel overwhelmed or insignificant, we can rest in the assurance that God is both mighty and intimately concerned with our lives. This truth invites us to approach Him with confidence, knowing that nothing is beyond His ability or care. [15:39]
2. The stories of Scripture, even those written thousands of years ago, remain deeply relevant because the human heart and God’s character have not changed. We can look to these stories as living examples, learning how God intervenes in impossible situations and how faithfulness can lead to unexpected reversals. The challenge is to discern the heart of these stories and apply their lessons with humility and wisdom. [20:50]
3. Sharing the good news is both a privilege and a responsibility. Like the lepers who discovered abundance outside the city walls, we are not meant to keep God’s blessings to ourselves. When we encounter hope, healing, or provision, we are called to share it—even if it feels risky or if others might doubt us. Our willingness to speak and act can become the very means by which God brings deliverance to those around us. [29:15]
4. Being a neighbor in the way of Christ means interceding for others, listening for God’s leading, and sometimes taking the risk to share a word of encouragement or hope. This is not about arrogance or presumption, but about humble obedience and love. Even when we fear getting it wrong, God honors our efforts and uses our vulnerability to reveal His presence and care to others. [37:48]
5. True spiritual sacrifice often involves stepping out of our comfort zones to love others in tangible ways. Whether it’s a prayer, a kind word, or a simple act of service, God calls us to be living offerings—willing to try, to risk, and to trust Him with the outcome. As we do, we become part of God’s ongoing work of great reversals, bringing light and hope into the lives of our neighbors. [44:07]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[08:20] - Opening Prayer and Call to Worship
[15:10] - Children’s Lesson: God’s Big Hands
[20:50] - The Relevance of Old Testament Stories
[21:39] - The Siege and Desperation in Samaria
[22:27] - The Role and Test of a True Prophet
[23:30] - God’s Word of Reversal: The Promise
[25:08] - The Challenge of Belief and Proclamation
[27:17] - The Lepers’ Discovery and Dilemma
[29:15] - Sharing Good News: The Lepers’ Example
[30:24] - God’s Miraculous Intervention
[32:50] - Our Calling as a Priesthood of Believers
[33:55] - Listening and Speaking God’s Encouragement
[37:48] - Taking Risks in Loving Our Neighbors
[44:07] - Living Sacrifice: Risk and Reward
[49:29] - Responding to God’s Prompting
[50:04] - Closing Prayers and Blessing
[54:34] - Praying for Peace and Peacemaking
[57:33] - God Honors the Try
[61:02] - Final Blessing and Sending Forth

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

2 Kings 6:24–7:20 (ESV) — (The story of the siege of Samaria, the prophet Elisha’s promise, and the four lepers who discover the abandoned enemy camp.)

1 Peter 2:4–5, 9 (ESV) — > As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ... But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Observation Questions

In the story of the besieged city (2 Kings 6–7), what was the situation inside Samaria, and how did the people respond to the prophet’s message of hope?
What did the four lepers do when they discovered the enemy camp abandoned, and what was their reasoning for sharing the news?
According to 1 Peter 2, what does it mean for believers to be called a “royal priesthood” and “living stones”? How does this connect to the sermon’s message?
The sermon described God as having “the whole world in His hands.” What does this image communicate about God’s character and our relationship to Him?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the people inside the city struggled to believe the prophet’s promise of deliverance, even when it came directly from God? What does this reveal about human nature and faith?
The lepers realized that “good news is not meant to be hoarded.” What are the risks and rewards of sharing hope with others, especially when it seems unbelievable?
The sermon says we are a “priesthood of all believers,” with access to God and a responsibility to intercede for others. How does this challenge the idea that only certain people are called to spiritual work?
The pastor shared a story about taking a risk to share a difficult word with a friend. What does this teach about listening for God’s leading and being willing to act, even when it feels uncomfortable?

Application Questions

When you feel overwhelmed or insignificant, how do you remind yourself that God is both big enough to handle your burdens and loving enough to care for you personally? Is there a specific situation right now where you need to trust God’s “big hands”?
Think of a time when you received “good news” from God—whether an answered prayer, a sense of hope, or provision. Did you share it with anyone? If not, what held you back?
The sermon challenges us to pray for our neighbors and sometimes to take the risk of sharing a word of encouragement or hope. Is there someone in your life right now who might need you to reach out? What is one practical step you could take this week?
The lepers in the story risked being misunderstood or ignored when they shared what they found. What fears or doubts keep you from sharing your faith or encouragement with others? How can you overcome them?
The idea of being a “living offering” means stepping out of your comfort zone to love others. What is one area where you sense God might be asking you to take a risk for the sake of someone else?
The pastor said, “God honors the try.” Is there something you’ve been hesitant to do for God or for your neighbor because you’re afraid of failing or getting it wrong? What would it look like to “just try” this week?
Imagine if everyone in our group took one small risk to love a neighbor this week. What kind of impact could that have on our community? How can we encourage each other to follow through?

Sermon Clips

The human condition has not changed. How people were 5,000 years ago is exactly the same as they are today. We clean up a little better maybe or we have our iPhones, but the heart hasn't changed. The second thing is Paul talks about it when Paul looks at especially the Old Testament writings, he says this: now these things took place as examples for us. And he's talking to the Christians of the day and he's saying that all that's written in the Old Testament, all these stories are as examples. Now if you have an example, it's got to have some relevancy. If I'm setting an example, it means that there's a standard or there's some truth that you can learn from it, right? And so the Old Testament has examples of what happens when you do this, this happens and consequences and there's stories that we can grow from. So because we don't change, and God hasn't changed, God's unchangeable, he's perfect and so there's no need for change, that we can go to the Old Testament as examples and glean meaning for today. [00:19:03] (87 seconds) #UnchangingTruths

I often feel like that when I'm talking about Jesus and faith. I often feel like, like here we are, and we are to be the ambassadors of the word of God, that God sent his son to die on a cross, and he bore the sin of the world, he was thrown into a grave, and he rose from the grave, and that anyone who calls his name will be saved, and people can look at their life and look at their heart and look at the famine in their own life and look at all of the challenges around them, and they can be like the captain and say, there's just no way. But we're called, as good neighbors, to proclaim what we know to be true, to see whether or not people believe it. [00:25:28] (47 seconds) #FaithfulAmbassadors

We are a people of the good news. And we're to proclaim the gospel, the good news. And so we can go to God, like Elijah went to God, and we can begin to ask God, God, what are you going to do? What can you possibly do for my neighbor here? And we begin to kind of listen to God's word. And we can begin to pray for them, pray for everyone, the whole world. [00:32:50] (29 seconds) #GlobalPrayer

But chances are when you see God's providence, when God starts to order things and have neighbor come over and he gives you a clear sense, chances are he's going to work through you. The best thing that we can do for our neighbors is help them connect to Christ. [00:40:01] (20 seconds) #DivineProvidence

A sacrifice is one of those things like, oh, I would rather not do that, but okay, I'll take a risk. And I know it's crazy because the United Church and the Protestant church, we like to have comfortable pews, right? We want to feel good when we leave here, we want to be like, Claren, give me a warm fuzzy feeling, right? But what if God is saying, I want to use you to reach out to your neighbor in their great famine and let them know I am a God of a great reversal? [00:41:08] (44 seconds) #SacrificialRisk

God is most pleased when we take a risk for Him. When we are willing to be vulnerable for Him. Even though we might have a mocking captain, an unbelieving community. But in time, if it is God, God will honor His Word, and His heaven will break through, and this person will have a testimony of the Gospel. That they are indeed loved. That God has the whole world in His hand. And that includes your neighbor. And God's love for your neighbor is exactly the same as God's love for you. [00:44:01] (58 seconds) #RiskForGod

May you be a living offering, a sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, as God would direct. And, you know, we don't get everything right the first time in anything. But what helps us get right is just the try. And then eventually we get better. So God honors the try. So may you take the risk to try, and may God bless you as you do. [00:57:33] (28 seconds) #FaithfulTry

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