There’s always hope for everyone.

Sometimes the things we go through with our children bring us to a place of so much pain, it feels as though they died. Drugs, alcohol, mental illness, self-injury, eating disorders, sexual issues, pornography, gambling, prison sentences, unexpected pregnancies – so much heartache, so much brokenness. It causes a profound sense of loss.  It crushes you and rips your heart open. I imagine Jesus’ mother felt that way when he died.

On Good Friday it appeared to be the end of Jesus. His life was over. All hope was gone. Many of his followers saw him die – his blood drain out; his side pierced; his last breath expelled. His life ended. Ruined.  His last words were, “It is finished.” It looked like His enemies won. Total defeat.

Today, over two thousand years later, we have the advantage of knowing the rest of the story. We can read the Bible in many different versions. We can watch a movie about it (The Passion, The Jesus Film, Jesus of Nazareth) or a TV mini-series called The Bible. These things tell us and show us about Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. If you grew up going to church you probably know the story very well.

But what are Easter’s 7 messages to parents in pain? 

1. Even though your child’s life appears to be ruined and finished – it isn’t. It’s not done yet, no matter how bad things may look today. It’s not over until God says it’s over.
2. There’s always hope for everyone – even when things look hopeless. If your child’s heart is still beating, then there’s still hope.
3. New life can rise up from the ashes of ruin. In Christ ALL things can be made new. That includes our son’s and daughter’s lives. Did you know that the popular actor, Tim Allen (Tool Time and The Last Man, TV sitcoms; Santa Clause movies, etc.), spent over two years in federal prison for drug trafficking when he was younger? He had a drug and alcohol problem, BUT look at his life now. Today he’s a follower of Christ. You can watch many more inspiring, hope-filled interviews on the IAmSecond website.
4. Because Christ lives, anyone who’s lost their way, who turns to Him for help, can find forgiveness. A life full of purpose and meaning can be theirs.
5. God is the God of second, third, fourth and fifth chances – of new beginnings and fresh starts. It’s never too late for anyone to begin again.
6. If God can raise Jesus from the dead, then He can revive, restore and renew the life of your child. He’s the master Re-builder.
7. If there was hope for the thief who was crucified beside Jesus, then there’s hope for your child. He told the repentant criminal,”Today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)  The Son of God offers the same promise to your son or daughter.

Father, thank you for Easter’s truths and how they can change our children’s lives. These 7 things sound too good to be true, yet we know You cannot lie. We pray our child will turn to You today. Help us believe it’s possible. We thank you with all our hearts and wait with hope that one day we’ll see their fulfillment in our child’s life.

In the name of Your Son, Jesus, who died and lives again.

Amen.