When the sun sets, how often do you worry that it’s gone forever? Probably never. If you’re sick or lonely, you might dread the night. Or perhaps you look forward to rest. You may toss and turn, or sleep eight uninterrupted hours. The night might feel too long or too short. But one thing you don’t do is doubt that morning will come. You trust that the darkness will give way to light.

What if you could be just as certain that your troubles today would be gone tomorrow—or in a week, or even a year? You may still struggle with a lack of money, rejection, addiction, betrayal, or grief. Holding on might feel hard. But if you absolutely knew that the trouble you’re facing would be completely gone, wouldn’t it be easier to keep going?

That’s what hope is.

And for those of us who have said Yes to Jesus, we can live with that 100% certainty—not just that things might get better, but that they will be made right. You will be made right. One day, you will wake up with no more anxiety, no more depression, no more addiction, no more pain, no more brokenness, and no more shame.

“As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness” (Psalm 17:15).

You may be thinking, “Sure, things will be right in heaven. But what about today?” So, what does this all mean for here and now?

But What About Now?

There are too many stories of lasting change, too many examples of healing, to deny that real transformation is happening today. The kingdom of God isn’t just about the future. It’s here, now. Just a few examples:

• Joshua Broome, once a top adult film star, was radically changed by Jesus. Now he has a wife, four children, and a powerful ministry.
• Elizabeth Woning lived as a lesbian even while doing parish ministry, dramatically encountered Jesus, and now leads a ministry supporting others with same-sex attraction who’ve experienced change through Him.
• Jonathan Daugherty, once trapped in pornography and sexual brokenness, found healing in Jesus. His marriage was restored, and for over 20 years he has led a ministry helping others find freedom.
• Heather Palacios battled mental health issues and suicide attempts for years, found health and joy in Jesus, and now ministers to countless others in crisis.
• Sula Skyles, once caught in high-end sex trafficking and the occult, was dramatically set free by Jesus and now lives with a thriving family and a ministry helping others escape darkness.

And in my own story, I endured deep distress and various mental health diagnoses for years, even though I knew a lot about God. But when I truly met Jesus and received His healing grace I discovered lasting peace, purpose, and wholeness. I’ve been free from those symptoms for nearly 30 years.

And there are countless other stories. Might you be one of them?

You’re Not Too Far Gone

Lies are easy to believe when you’re hurting. God hasn’t left you. It’s not too late. You’re not so unique that Jesus can’t rescue you. You’re not too far gone. This is for you too!

All of the above stories, including mine, include a process. God works, and we work – together (Philippians 2:12-13). Lasting transformation includes learning new ways of thinking, relating, and living. It means forming new patterns – new brain pathways – and strengthening them over time.

True and lasting change is possible! But if you’re not more like Jesus today than you were a year ago, five years ago, it’s worth asking: What’s blocking your transformation?

Ask Jesus that question and listen for His response. Sometimes you’ve spent all your time in victim mode and you need to choose healing – to take into your being what Jesus extravagantly makes available and actually metabolize it. Sometimes that means bringing into the light what you’ve kept hidden, such as trauma or addiction. It might mean getting around some other growing people so they can rub off on you. Or you might have been just trying harder on your own, and you need to get quiet with Jesus and just be with Him.

Grasping Hope

When you’ve messed up one more time, when the pain of betrayal or grief washes over you, when the anger or fear seems to engulf you, when you feel overwhelmed by the shame or pressure or struggle, choose to hold on to hope.

Your hope is not based on your effort; it’s based on who God is. The very One who spoke the world into existence, who filled Solomon’s temple with so much glory that the priests couldn’t enter, who came in the person of Jesus as “God with us” (Matthew 1:23), and who died and lived again – that very One has come for you. And He will not stop until everything, including you, is made right.

So when you feel overwhelmed by something big and dark, even if it’s your own heart, lift it up to Jesus. Yes, it is too big and dark for you. But it’s not hard for Him to deal with. Let Him have it.

And for you? Just keep showing up. And keep saying Yes.

Your Turn: Have you wrestled with feeling you’re too far gone, that you’re too messed up to ever become whole? What does hope look like for you? How does remembering Who God is change things?  Leave a comment below.

Want more? This week’s podcast is a conversation with Joel Warneking and Ben Williams of 423 Communities about true change in community. Listen or watch.

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• Feel like you’re too far gone? Like real change can’t happen for you? You’re not so unique that Jesus can’t rescue you. This is for you too!  Tweet that.

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