Hope in Darkness: God's Grace and Redemption
Summary
In Luke 23, we witness Jesus on the cross, surrounded by two criminals and a crowd with mixed reactions. One criminal mocks, the other pleads for mercy, and Jesus responds with grace, promising paradise. Even in the darkest hour—when the sun itself refused to shine and the temple curtain tore—God’s redemptive work was not finished. The story reminds us that what looks like the end is often just a turning point in God’s greater plan. The faithful few who stayed to watch, even after the crowd left, teach us the importance of remaining present and expectant, even when hope seems lost.
Throughout history, God’s promises have endured through generations of waiting, disappointment, and darkness. The people of God have always been “weight watchers”—not in the sense of physical weight, but in the spiritual discipline of waiting and watching for God’s next move. Darkness is not a sign of God’s absence; it is often the setting for His greatest miracles. Grace is still at work in the dark, and Jesus is not only our Redeemer but also our companion in suffering. He is as close as the mention of His name, even when we feel most alone.
Pain does not cancel purpose. The wounds and scars we carry are not pointless; they are the very evidence of God’s redemptive power at work in us. Like Jesus, who showed His scars to Thomas, our pain can become a testimony to others. God uses our suffering to teach, shape, and position us for what’s next. The enemy may whisper that it’s over, but God’s word declares otherwise. Even when we feel like we’ve lost everything, God can flip the hourglass and start a new chapter.
We must resist the urge to walk away when things seem finished. Unlike a movie or a streaming show that ends when the credits roll, God’s story continues. His resources never run out, and His power is always available. Plan A may have failed, but God’s Plan B—the blood of Jesus—ensures that hope remains. So, be still, be strong, be steadfast, and be confident: it’s not over yet. As long as there is breath in your body, God is not finished with you.
Key Takeaways
- Grace Works in the Dark: Darkness is not a sign that God has abandoned us; it is often the very environment where His grace is most active. Even when we cannot see the way forward, God is working behind the scenes, preparing miracles out of what looks like nothing. The presence of darkness in our lives is an invitation to trust that God is still moving, even when we feel lost or alone. [11:01]
- Pain Has Purpose, Not Just Presence: Our suffering is not random or wasted. God uses pain as a teacher, shaping us and preparing us for greater things. The wounds we bear can become the very proof of God’s faithfulness, both to ourselves and to those who witness our journey. [16:34]
- Don’t Let the Mocking Voices Define You: In moments of darkness, the enemy will try to convince us that our story is over, that our calling is finished, or that our failures are final. But God’s word is stronger than any voice of doubt or condemnation. Holding onto His promises, even when circumstances say otherwise, is an act of faith that positions us for resurrection and renewal. [13:00]
- Stay Positioned and Keep Watching: The faithful few who remained at the cross remind us to stay present and expectant, even when others walk away. God’s story doesn’t end when we think it does; He is the author of plot twists and new beginnings. Remaining in a posture of watchfulness allows us to witness the resurrection power of God in our own lives. [20:12]
- Plan B is Covered by the Blood: When our original plans fail, God’s redemptive plan—secured by the blood of Jesus—takes over. This “Plan B” is not a lesser plan, but the very means by which God brings victory out of defeat. Because of the cross, we can be confident that it’s not over yet, no matter what the situation looks like. [26:46]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:05] - Reading Luke 23:39-49
[02:48] - “Not Over Yet” – Introduction
[05:27] - Marvel Movies and Faith in God’s Story
[06:38] - The Origin Story: 4,000 Years of Waiting
[08:29] - The Weight of Prophetic Promise
[10:09] - Three Principles for Dark Times
[11:01] - Grace Still Works in the Dark
[12:28] - Personal Testimony: Wrestling in Darkness
[13:00] - The Mocking Voice in the Dark
[15:24] - Pain Does Not Cancel Purpose
[16:34] - Pain as a Teacher
[18:28] - Speaking God’s Word in Pain
[20:12] - Staying Positioned and Focused
[23:19] - God’s Power Never Runs Out
[24:21] - God Flips the Hourglass
[26:46] - Plan B: The Power of the Blood
[28:29] - Infinite Hope Over Finite Disappointment
[33:02] - Invitation to the Altar and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Not Over Yet"
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### Bible Reading
- Luke 23:39-49 (NLT)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Luke 23:39-49, what are the different reactions of the people present at the crucifixion—specifically the two criminals, the Roman officer, the crowd, and Jesus’ friends?
2. According to the sermon, what significant events happened during the crucifixion that signaled something more was happening than just a death? (e.g., darkness, the temple curtain tearing) [[01:05]]
3. What did Jesus promise to the criminal who asked for mercy, and how does this contrast with the other criminal’s response?
4. The sermon mentions that some people stayed and watched even after the crowd left. Who were these people, and why is their presence important? [[01:05]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says, “Darkness is not a sign of God’s absence; it is often the setting for His greatest miracles.” How does the darkness during Jesus’ crucifixion help us understand this idea? [[11:01]]
2. The pastor shared about the “mocking voice” in the dark. What does the story of the two criminals teach us about the voices we listen to in hard times? [[13:00]]
3. The sermon says, “Pain does not cancel purpose.” How does Jesus’ suffering and the showing of His scars to Thomas illustrate this truth? [[16:34]]
4. The faithful few who stayed at the cross are highlighted as examples. What does their decision to remain teach us about faith and hope when things seem finished? [[20:12]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says, “Grace is still at work in the dark.” Can you think of a time when you felt like you were in a dark place, but looking back, you can see God was working? What helped you keep going? [[11:01]]
2. The pastor shared about hearing a “mocking voice” during a difficult season. Are there negative voices or thoughts that try to define you when you’re struggling? How can you remind yourself of God’s promises in those moments? [[13:00]]
3. “Pain does not cancel purpose.” Is there a wound or scar in your life that God has used—or could use—to encourage someone else? How might you share your story as a testimony? [[16:34]]
4. The sermon talks about “staying positioned and keeping watch” even when hope seems lost. What does it look like for you to stay present and expectant in a situation that feels hopeless? [[20:12]]
5. The pastor said, “God can flip the hourglass and start a new chapter.” Is there an area of your life where you feel like the story is over? What would it look like to trust God for a new beginning there? [[24:21]]
6. “Plan A may have failed, but God’s Plan B—the blood of Jesus—ensures that hope remains.” Have you experienced a time when your plans failed, but God brought something good out of it? How did that change your perspective? [[26:46]]
7. The sermon ends with the encouragement, “As long as there is breath in your body, God is not finished with you.” What is one step you can take this week to live with that confidence, even if you’re facing disappointment or loss? [[28:29]]
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Devotional
Day 1: Grace is Still Working in the Dark
Even when life feels shrouded in darkness and uncertainty, God’s grace is actively present, working on your behalf in ways you may not see or understand. The darkness is not a sign of God’s absence but a necessary part of the process where He draws near, offering comfort and hope. Just as Jesus was not alone on the cross, you are not alone in your struggles; He is as close as the mention of His name, ready to meet you in your darkest hour. Keep talking to Him, even when you can’t see the way forward, for His grace is sufficient and His presence is unwavering. [11:40]
Luke 23:44-46 (NLT)
"By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. Then Jesus shouted, 'Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!' And with those words he breathed his last."
Reflection: Where in your life do you feel surrounded by darkness, and how can you invite God’s grace to meet you there today?
Day 2: Pain Does Not Cancel Your Purpose
Pain is not a detour from your calling but a part of the journey that God uses to shape, teach, and position you for greater purpose. The wounds and scars you carry are not evidence of defeat but of God’s redemptive work in your life, just as Jesus’ scars testified to His victory. Even when you didn’t sign up for the hardship or grief, God is using every painful experience to lead you somewhere meaningful, equipping you to help others and to grow in faith. Don’t let pain convince you that your story is over—God is still writing your purpose through it. [16:34]
John 20:27 (NLT)
"Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!'"
Reflection: What pain or disappointment in your life have you believed has canceled your purpose, and how might God be using it to prepare you for something greater?
Day 3: Keep Declaring God’s Word in the Midst of Pain
What you speak in your pain matters—Jesus, even in agony, declared the Word of God, entrusting Himself to the Father. In your own struggles, continue to speak God’s promises over your life, regardless of what circumstances dictate. There is power in declaring His truth, for it anchors your soul and reminds you that God’s Word outweighs every negative report or voice of doubt. Let your confession be one of faith, trusting that God is able to heal, provide, and complete the good work He began in you. [18:28]
Psalm 31:5 (NLT)
"I entrust my spirit into your hand. Rescue me, Lord, for you are a faithful God."
Reflection: What is one promise from God’s Word you can declare over your current situation, especially in the midst of pain or uncertainty?
Day 4: God’s Power and Resources Never Run Out
Unlike the limitations of human systems, God’s power and resources are always available—He never stops working, even when you feel like giving up. You don’t have to worry about exhausting His strength or missing your moment; He is always present, always able to resurrect what seems dead, and always ready to flip the script in your favor. Stay positioned, keep watching, and trust that God can bring new life and purpose out of what looks like the end. [24:21]
Isaiah 40:28-31 (NLT)
"Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."
Reflection: In what area of your life have you doubted God’s ongoing power, and how can you choose to trust His limitless resources today?
Day 5: It’s Not Over Yet—Hold On to Infinite Hope
No matter what disappointments or endings you face, God is not finished with your story. His plan may look different than yours, but He is faithful to complete the good work He started in you. Don’t let setbacks or closed doors convince you that it’s over; instead, hold on to infinite hope, knowing that God specializes in resurrection and new beginnings. Be confident that as long as there is breath in your body, God’s purpose for you remains, and He is able to bring about miracles beyond what you can imagine. [28:29]
Philippians 1:6 (NLT)
"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns."
Reflection: What is one area where you have been tempted to give up hope, and how can you renew your confidence in God’s unfinished work in your life today?
Quotes
Well I dare to say how we gonna have more faith in a Marvel writer than the Alpha and the Omega that we won't stay positioned and keep watching when things in our lives come to an end [00:05:07] (20 seconds)
Pain has a point. We talk about pain points. It's not random. I promise you. It might seem random, whatever you're going through, but it's actually redemptive. There's purpose on it. [00:16:00] (23 seconds)
See, Jesus, when he was in pain on the cross, when he cried out, we got to follow the words. And we got to adopt these words. Father, into your hands. Into your hands. I can't handle it. But into your hands. [00:17:51] (22 seconds)
He who has begun a good work in you will be faithful to complete it in you. Not over yet! [00:28:03] (20 seconds)
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