Hope Amid Darkness: God’s Light In Our Valleys
Jeremy Skaggs   -   December 1, 2024

The sermon explores the theme of hope amid darkness, drawing inspiration from Isaiah 9:2.

We touch on Israel’s history of walking with and away from God, and how this mirrors our own spiritual journeys.

The sermon emphasizes that even in our darkest moments, hope is already here because God is already at work.

To establish this point, we examine Joseph’s life as he endured hope through numerous setbacks and challenges.

Takeaways:

  • God consistently brings light into darkness, from creation to our present day, offering hope to the hopeless.
  • Our circumstances often try to eclipse our hope in God, but we’re called to trust in His overarching plan and endure.
  • Like Joseph, we can choose to see God’s hand at work even in our most difficult experiences, maintaining hope in His greater purpose.

As we embark this Advent season and approach the new year, I encourage you to reflect on areas where you might need to “strip off” weights that are hindering your hope.

Remember, no matter how deep the darkness may seem, hope is already here, and God is already at work in your life.

May you be strengthened and encouraged as you hold fast to the hope we have in Christ.

Blessings,

Pastor Jeremy

 

Sermon Notes

Hope Amid Darkness

Biblical examples of darkness

  • Adam and Eve’s sons
  • Israel’s history of walking away from God
  • Golden calf incident

“Come Thou Fount” lyric reflection

Israel’s history marked by spiritual darkness and need for redemption

Hope Filled Light

God as light in the Bible

  • Genesis 1:2-3 – Creation of light
  • Exodus 34:29 – Moses’ shining face

New Testament perspective

  • Ephesians 5:8 – Walk as children of light

Hope Through Darkness

  • Christian disillusionment
  • Satan’s strategy to bring darkness and discouragement
  • God’s love and care (John 3:16)
  • Satan’s attempts to make us doubt our hope in God

Hope Eclipsed?

Factors that can eclipse hope in God

  1. Personal suffering
  2. Unanswered prayers
  3. Witnessing injustice and evil
  4. Major life changes
  5. Disappointment with the Church
  6. Mental health struggles

Finding Hope in Setbacks

Joseph’s story as an example

  • Key events in Joseph’s life (Genesis 37-41)
  • Joseph’s response to his brothers (Genesis 45:4-5)

An Enduring Hope

  • Trusting God’s overarching plan
  • Answering God’s call to endure
  • Stripping off weights that slow us down
  • Running the race with endurance
  • Keeping eyes on Jesus
  • Focusing on future hope

Conclusion

Reminder that “Hope is already Here: God is already at work!”

  • Encouragement to hold fast to hope
  • Looking forward to 2025 with hope

 

Small Group Notes

Small Group Guide: Hope Amid Darkness

Opening Prayer:
Begin your session with a prayer, asking God to open your hearts and minds to
His message of hope.

Key Takeaways:

  1.  God brings light into darkness, offering hope to the hopeless.
  2. Our circumstances can easily eclipse our hope in God, but we must remember that “Hope is already Here: God is already at work!”
  3. Joseph’s story exemplifies enduring hope despite numerous setbacks.
  4. God calls us to endure, while Satan tempts us to quit.
  5. Focusing on God’s overarching plan can help us maintain hope during difficult times.

Discussion Questions:

  1. The sermon mentions that “Christians are easily disillusioned.” Can you share a time when you felt your hope in God was challenged? How did you overcome it?
  2. Reflect on the story of Joseph. What aspects of his journey resonate with you the most?  How does his response to his brothers in Genesis 45.4-5 challenge your perspective on difficult situations?
  3. The pastor asks, “What does it take for you to eclipse your hope in God?” From the list provided (personal suffering, unanswered prayers, etc.), which one do you struggle with the most? Why?
  4. How does the idea that “Hope is already Here: God is already at work!” change your outlook on current challenges in your life?
  5. The sermon encourages us to “strip off every weight that is slowing you down.” What weights do you need to strip off to run your race with endurance?
  6. How can we, as a community, support each other in maintaining hope during dark times?

Practical Applications:

  1. Daily Hope Journal: Start a daily journal where you write down one thing each day that gives you hope or reminds you of God’s work in your life.
  2. Scripture Memorization: Choose a verse about hope (e.g., Jeremiah 29.11 or Romans 15.13) to memorize and meditate on throughout the week.
  3. Hope-Filled Actions: Identify one practical way you can be a bearer of hope to someone else this week (e.g., encouraging note, act of service, prayer support).
  4. Weight-Stripping Exercise: Take time to prayerfully identify the “weights” in your life that are hindering your hope. Make a plan to address at least one of these issues.
  5. Endurance Prayer: Commit to praying for one another’s endurance in faith throughout the week.

Closing Reflection:
Read aloud Hebrews 12:1-2. Spend a few moments in silent reflection, considering how you can keep your eyes fixed on Jesus in the coming week.

Closing Prayer:
End your session by praying for each other, asking God to strengthen your hope and help you endure in faith.