Tracy Au-yeung
19 March 2025
Hope is more than a feeling—it is a lifeline, an anchor for the soul.
As Christians, our hope is sure and certain because it rooted in Jesus Christ. It is not like a fragile bubble that drifts aimlessly, carried by the wind or bursts at the slightest touch. Instead, it is firm and unshakable, holding us steady through life’s storms. This hope is not only for us to cling to but also for us to share with a world longing for light in the midst of darkness.
In Luke 8:40–56, we encounter two people who experienced this hope firsthand. Jairus, a synagogue leader, came to Jesus in desperation, pleading for the life of his dying daughter. At the same time, a woman who had been bleeding for 12 long years reached out to Jesus, believing that even touching His garment would bring her healing. Both were at the end of their strength, facing situations that seemed hopeless. Yet, they turned to Jesus with faith, and He did not disappoint them.
Read more: Hope is the gift of grace
The faith Jairus and the bleeding woman had in Jesus is an incredible example of trust and hope in the face of impossible circumstances. Jairus came to Jesus in desperation for his dying daughter, and the woman, after 12 years of suffering, reached out to Him in faith, believing in His power to heal. Both trusted Jesus completely, and He responded with life, healing, and hope.
This same hope is alive today. It is the hope we have in Jesus, a hope that does not fade, even in the face of suffering, loss, or uncertainty. It is a hope that reminds us that no situation is beyond the reach of God’s love and power.
Trusting God to Transform Lives
Imagine what could happen if everyone had faith like theirs. Lives weighed down by fear, despair, and uncertainty could be filled with peace, joy, love and purpose. When we live with that kind of faith, the love of Christ shines through us, drawing others closer to Him.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to grow in our faith and share His love with those around us. Whether through small acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or simply being present for someone in need, we have the opportunity to reflect His light in the world. Just as Jesus brought hope to Jairus and the woman, we can be vessels of His hope and love in our communities.
Tracy Au-Yeung is a youth minister at St Thomas’ Burwood.
This article is part of a series of reflections under Hope25, a national evangelism initiative that equips Anglicans to share their hope in Jesus. They aim to encourage us to have a sure and certain hope in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. We encourage you to look out for these weekly reflections and share them in your parishes.
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