Finding Hope and Healing Through Faith in Jesus

 

Summary

Happy New Year to everyone! As we embark on this new year, it's essential to reflect on our need for hope, especially when we feel hopeless. Many of us have experienced moments where our hopes have been dashed repeatedly, leaving us feeling like we're back at square one or even further behind. This cycle of hope and disappointment is common, and it often goes deeper than the surface-level resolutions we make each year. We all have areas in our lives where we feel stuck, whether it's due to addiction, anger, depression, or other struggles. These challenges can consume us and prevent us from living the life we desire.

The story of the woman with the issue of blood in Luke 8:42-48 serves as a powerful reminder of hope beyond hope. This woman, who had suffered for 12 years, was considered unclean and ostracized by society. Yet, she found hope in Jesus, believing that He could heal her when all else had failed. Her faith, though small, was enough to draw power from Jesus, leading to her healing. Jesus not only restored her physically but also emotionally and spiritually, calling her "daughter" and affirming her faith.

This narrative teaches us that Jesus possesses a power greater than any human or religious figure. He offers hope and healing to all, regardless of our past or present circumstances. Whether we are at the bottom of society's ladder or seemingly have it all together, we all have areas where we are powerless. The good news is that Jesus provides hope for the hopeless, and through Him, we can experience true change.

As we begin a new series on the 12 steps to change, rooted in biblical principles, I encourage you to reflect on your need for change. Join a small group, engage with the resources we provide, and invite others to experience this journey of transformation. Remember, there is hope for the hopeless, and it begins with acknowledging our need for change and seeking spiritual help.

Key Takeaways:

1. Hope Beyond Hope: In moments of despair, when hope seems lost, remember that Jesus offers hope beyond our circumstances. His power is greater than any human limitation, and He can restore us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. [07:22]

2. Faith in Action: The woman's healing was not just due to Jesus' power but also her faith. She acted on her belief, even if it was small, and it led to her healing. Our faith, when combined with action, can draw us closer to the transformative power of Jesus. [15:59]

3. Restoration and Acceptance: Jesus' response to the woman was one of acceptance and love. He called her "daughter," restoring her dignity and place in the community. This teaches us that Jesus offers us acceptance and restoration, regardless of our past. [21:42]

4. Power for All: Jesus' power is available to everyone, whether we are struggling with visible addictions or hidden struggles. His power transcends societal status and personal achievements, offering hope and change to all who seek it. [27:04]

5. The Journey of Change: True change begins with acknowledging our need for it and seeking spiritual help. The 12 steps, rooted in biblical principles, provide a path for transformation. Engage with these steps, join a community, and invite others to experience the hope and change Jesus offers. [31:25]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:06] - The Need for Hope
- [02:55] - A Story of Struggle
- [03:57] - Common Human Experience
- [04:44] - Lies of the Enemy
- [06:00] - The Weight of Hopelessness
- [07:22] - Hope for the Hopeless
- [09:44] - The Woman's Desperation
- [11:02] - Cultural Context and Fear
- [12:20] - Social Isolation
- [13:46] - Endless Desperation
- [14:55] - A Flicker of Hope
- [15:59] - Faith in Action
- [16:58] - Intentional Touch
- [18:41] - Jesus' Unique Power
- [19:30] - Full Restoration
- [21:42] - Acceptance and Love
- [22:24] - Faith and Healing
- [23:35] - God's Pleasure in Faith
- [24:35] - Peace with Community and God
- [25:49] - Peace with Self
- [27:04] - Hope for All
- [30:02] - The Roots of Change
- [31:25] - The Power of Community
- [32:22] - The Journey Begins
- [34:18] - Engaging with Resources
- [35:55] - The Big Book's Insight
- [36:53] - Spiritual Help
- [37:42] - Prayer for Change
- [39:18] - Blessing and Invitation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 8:42-48

Observation Questions:
1. What was the woman's condition in Luke 8:42-48, and how long had she been suffering from it? [09:44]
2. How did the woman demonstrate her faith when she approached Jesus? [15:59]
3. What was Jesus' response to the woman after she touched His robe, and what did He call her? [21:42]
4. How did the crowd react when Jesus asked who touched Him, and what does this reveal about the situation? [16:58]

Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the woman's story in Luke 8:42-48 teach about the nature of faith and its role in healing? [22:24]
2. How does Jesus' response to the woman challenge societal norms and religious practices of the time? [21:42]
3. In what ways does the story illustrate the concept of "hope beyond hope" as discussed in the sermon? [07:22]
4. How does the narrative of the woman with the issue of blood relate to the broader theme of restoration and acceptance in the sermon? [24:35]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt hopeless. How can the story of the woman with the issue of blood inspire you to seek hope in Jesus? [07:22]
2. The woman acted on her faith despite her fear. Is there an area in your life where you need to take a step of faith? What might that look like? [15:59]
3. Jesus called the woman "daughter," restoring her dignity. How can you extend acceptance and love to someone who feels ostracized or unworthy? [21:42]
4. The sermon encourages joining a small group for transformation. How can being part of a community help you in your journey of change? [34:18]
5. Identify a personal struggle where you feel powerless. How can you invite Jesus' transformative power into that area of your life? [27:04]
6. The sermon mentions the importance of acknowledging our need for change. What is one specific area in your life where you need to admit your need for change? [32:22]
7. How can you actively share the hope and change Jesus offers with someone in your life who might be struggling? [39:18]

Devotional

Day 1: Hope Beyond Circumstances
In moments of despair, when hope seems lost, it is crucial to remember that Jesus offers hope beyond our circumstances. The story of the woman with the issue of blood in Luke 8:42-48 illustrates this beautifully. Despite suffering for 12 years and being ostracized by society, she found hope in Jesus. Her faith, though small, was enough to draw power from Him, leading to her healing. This narrative teaches us that Jesus possesses a power greater than any human limitation. He can restore us physically, emotionally, and spiritually, offering hope when all else seems to fail. [07:22]

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel hopeless? How can you invite Jesus into that situation today to experience His hope and restoration?


Day 2: Faith in Action
The woman's healing was not just due to Jesus' power but also her faith. She acted on her belief, even if it was small, and it led to her healing. This teaches us that our faith, when combined with action, can draw us closer to the transformative power of Jesus. It is not enough to simply believe; we must also take steps of faith, trusting that Jesus will meet us in our need. This active faith is a catalyst for change and healing in our lives. [15:59]

James 2:17 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

Reflection: What is one small step of faith you can take today to act on your belief in Jesus' power to transform your life?


Day 3: Restoration and Acceptance
Jesus' response to the woman was one of acceptance and love. He called her "daughter," restoring her dignity and place in the community. This teaches us that Jesus offers us acceptance and restoration, regardless of our past. His love is unconditional, and He desires to restore us to a place of wholeness and belonging. No matter what we have done or where we have been, Jesus welcomes us with open arms, calling us His own. [21:42]

Ephesians 1:5-6 (ESV): "He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved."

Reflection: In what ways do you need to experience Jesus' acceptance and restoration in your life today? How can you embrace your identity as His beloved child?


Day 4: Power for All
Jesus' power is available to everyone, whether we are struggling with visible addictions or hidden struggles. His power transcends societal status and personal achievements, offering hope and change to all who seek it. This is a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of Jesus' transformative power. Regardless of our circumstances or the challenges we face, Jesus is ready and willing to bring healing and change to our lives. [27:04]

Acts 10:34-35 (ESV): "So Peter opened his mouth and said: 'Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.'"

Reflection: What is one hidden struggle you have been hesitant to bring to Jesus? How can you open your heart to His power and allow Him to work in that area today?


Day 5: The Journey of Change
True change begins with acknowledging our need for it and seeking spiritual help. The 12 steps, rooted in biblical principles, provide a path for transformation. Engaging with these steps, joining a community, and inviting others to experience the hope and change Jesus offers is essential. This journey of change is not meant to be walked alone; it is a communal experience that brings about lasting transformation. [31:25]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you recognize the need for change? How can you take the first step today by seeking spiritual help and engaging with a supportive community?

Quotes

"Well, Happy New Year. It is great to see you all today. I am very excited about this new year and our upcoming time together over the next few months. Today, I want to talk about our need for hope beyond hope. I don't think it would be hard to make a case that we all need hope and how important hope is." [00:00:00]

"But what I mean by hope beyond hope is that there are certain times that we hit things in our life that we hope for, but we've been hoping for so long and have been disappointed for so long, we've kind of ran out of reason to have hope. I don't know if you've ever been excited about finally getting a victory in an area only to find yourself right back to square one." [00:00:31]

"The truth is, God can see through all of us. And the person on your right and left is just as hopeless as you. All right, so just relax. Just relax. All right, because we all need this. We all have been in this place. But I want to read a blog that someone put out there years ago. She identifies herself as scared and alone, and I know this is really small, but I'm sorry about that." [00:01:34]

"Now, you don't have to raise your hand. This is an internal question. Do you feel tired? Or maybe, or maybe... Maybe, as Henry David Thoreau has observed in his book, Walden, he says this, the mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. What is called resignation is confirmed desperation. In other words, we just resigned ourselves. So this is the way it is. This is who I am. I cannot change." [00:07:06]

"Now, I want to start by kind of looking at a passage where we see this in the scriptures, in the Bible. By the way, the source material for one of the most successful programs to helping people change that don't have the power to change. And so I want to go to an account, Dr. Luke, who traveled extensively among Christians and wrote down the things about Jesus, put together a historical account of Jesus." [00:07:42]

"When the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and she fell to her knees in front of him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched him and that she had been touched. And they said, immediately healed. Daughter, he said to her, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Now I want to make a few observations here. First, I want to look at this woman who is in need of hope." [00:09:08]

"Here we have a woman in need of hope. It tells us why right here. It says, there was a woman in the crowd who had said, for 12 years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure. In this, another historical account that one of the disciples of Jesus, or not disciples, Mark, who followed Peter, who was a disciple of Jesus, what he writes is not only could the doctors find no cure, but the doctors had kind of taken advantage of the situation." [00:09:44]

"Now we learned something else about the woman later, which is easy for us in our 21st century minds to miss, but let me just kind of point this out. It says later, after she was kind of called out by Jesus, when the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, it says she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of, Jesus. Why is she so scared? What is going on here?" [00:10:39]

"Now, again, to our 21st century minds, this is kind of easy to miss. But she was a Jew, part of the Israelite family. And so she belonged to the religion, if you would, of the Jews. And in that faith, one of the core tenets of the faith, is how precious blood is. How precious blood is. Now, what God's doing is he's going to look ahead to what he's going to do for us by shedding God himself in the flesh, his blood for us." [00:11:13]

"Now, she acted, I would not say it's in full confidence. And she actually acted, she was actually felt, you can just tell by the context that she was stealing something. Okay? Because here's this crowd, she sneaks up behind him. It's just, I just need to teach, touch the hem of his robe. And then she's hoping to just kind of disappear into the crowd. But because of this one, there's all of a sudden hope where there was not hope." [00:15:59]

"And so then we get the result. Hope is fully restored. Hope is fully restored. Now, I think this is important because this woman didn't just need physical healing. When she was healed, she was not healed. In the program, for those of you who may be in the program, we are not familiar. We don't have physical healing. with like NA or NA, I'll talk about the AA part of it." [00:19:30]

"And so Jesus makes a statement, which is powerful. Three parts, daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. That first part, daughter, just think about that, okay? She has been called a lot of things in the last 12 years. And I can guarantee you in the last six, there's not been many terms of endearment. I don't know if her parents, I mean, we don't know much about her." [00:20:49]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?