My first thought was shock and my second was of the new reality his wife now faced without him. I prayed, sent a word of support, and then pondered how painful and hopeless life is apart from the Resurrection.

As we approach Easter and as the sting of death still lingers in my mind, I can’t help but feel full of hope because of the Resurrection of Jesus.

But in the times that we are living in, hope can be hard to find. Financial uncertainty, family conflicts, political division, and health challenges all take a toll. In Philippians chapter 3, the apostle Paul challenges us to CHOOSE HOPE even in our most difficult circumstances.

Why does hope matter? I’ve heard that we can go about forty days without food, eight days without water, four minutes without air, but only two to three seconds without hope.

Without hope, everything caves in.

My mentor Dr. Howard “Prof” Hendricks said, “Discouragement is the anesthetic the devil uses on a person just before he reaches in and carves out their heart.” Hope is the antidote to discouragement. It helps us remember that God, in His goodness, will help us overcome every challenge we face.

In Philippians 3, Paul identifies that the only source of genuine hope is the Lord Jesus Christ. The church in Philippi was being infiltrated by false teachers who taught that obeying the law and following the rules would lead to hope, success, and status.

Paul had firsthand experience in doing all the “right” things (education, status, success, mastery of the law), but he still didn’t have hope. He found his hope in the power of the Resurrection.

I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord … not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ … that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection. Philippians 3:8-10 NASB 1995

Where do we find hope?

Hope is not found in our own abilities, righteousness, or strength; it is found in the Resurrection of Christ. And because of the Resurrection, we can find peace, assurance, and security even in our most desperate circumstances.

Paul taught that where we find hope determines what we worship. Looking for hope in the wrong places—education, success, status, wealth—can result in pride and despair. On the flip side, Paul understood that true hope requires dependence on God and His grace, and confidence in Christ’s work on the cross.

Hope isn’t reserved for an “after I die” moment. It is the certainty of the power and love of the Holy Spirit living within us to give us all we need to endure and overcome all we face (see Romans 5:1-5). It’s a hope for today and a certainty for tomorrow.

As you reflect on the death and Resurrection of Christ this Easter, my prayer is that you will CHOOSE HOPE.

I am so grateful for your faithful financial partnership. Your gifts enable us to bring the hope from God’s Word to millions of listeners through our daily broadcast. Your generosity allows us to create discipleship resources to help Christians live like Christians. Your continued investment will make it possible for us to equip parents and grandparents to disciple the next generation. And your gifts empower pastors all around the world to find hope and help.

Thank you for your partnership, support, and generosity. May this Easter season be a time of meaningful reflection and celebration with those you love.

Choosing hope TOGETHER,

Chip Ingram
CEO and Teaching Pastor, Living on the Edge

PS: I’m so thankful for those of you who have become Monthly Partners. You really make a difference.