“By God’s great mercy God has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” —1 Peter 1:3a

Written by the Rev. Dr. Dave Smazik

We claim a hope, one into which we have been born, that is neither stagnant nor static. Rather it is dynamic. It adapts to the realities we each confront in our unique circumstances. It is living and vibrant. Its source is in the mercy of an eternal God, born into unlikely surroundings, strengthened in trial, set free by resurrection, and empowered for unlimited possibilities. The ways of the world cause us to believe hope is diminishing and in short supply. 1 Peter assures us of the opposite, even as we are worn down by that which surrounds us. Hope is alive and available, ever-present and ever-changing as we confront any challenge that lies ahead.