Remarkable Hope: When Jesus Revived Hope in Disappointed People

Description

Rediscover eight people in the Bible whose hopes and expectations went from disappointment to life-changing transformation through Jesus. Remarkable Hope reveals a pattern of hope where individuals were surprised by Jesus in drastic ways after they placed their hope in him and were--at first--disappointed. Their stories show his work was rarely what they anticipated. As we observe Christ's faithful commitment to these Biblical characters who hoped in him, we are wowed by his unseen plan. We are comforted by his orchestration of circumstances and revived by his enduring presence. Remarkable Hope helps us gladly declare, like the apostle Paul, that "our hope does not disappoint us."

Shauna Letellier is the author of Remarkable Faith: When Jesus Marveled at Faith in Unremarkable People. Her writing has been featured at Girlfriends in God, the Huffington Post, Day Spring's (in)courage, The MOB Society, For Every Mom and MomSense Magazine (now called Hello Dearest), a publication of MOPS International. She attended Focus on the Family's Leadership Institute and is a graduate of Grace University in Omaha, Nebraska.

Praise for REMARKABLE HOPE If you're feeling sucker-punched by life, if your dreams have turned to ashes and you can muster no hope for the future, hang onto the hope you'll find in these pages. This is a purpose and a plan in the struggle you're facing. And the hope God offers is not only available but ready for the believing. Shauna Letellier has written another dangerous book about people who dared to fully trust in God.--Chris Fabry, author of War Room and host of Chris Fabry Live Few components of the Christian life are more necessary than hope, but what do we do when hope is shattered? Shauna tackles this question and its variants by guiding us through scriptural accounts of people just like us--full of confusion or consternation, facing a crisis or a crossroad--and how their lives were changed by the One who created, and is bigger than, our hope. Shauna's masterful storytelling drives us into the middle of a stark situation, pulls our heartstrings, and turns a mirror on our feeble attempts to determine what God is up to. This book helps align our expectations with powerful truth and shows us the deeper level of a true and lasting hope.--Yolanda Smith, writer and editor I read Remarkable Hope during a season of being blindsided by gut-wrenching disappointment. I'd lost more than hope: I'd lost all sense of direction. Vicariously experiencing Jesus reviving hope in these vividly retold Bible stories helped me regain footing in my own new narrative. In the tender places where your heart is broken, Shauna is a trustworthy guide, gently leading you toward healing, hope, and surprising joy.--Cheri Gregory, co-host of the Grit 'n' Grace podcast & co-author of Overwhelmed and You Don't Have to Try So Hard In Remarkable Hope, familiar biblical stories spring to life with new power and perspective, and a newfound hope takes root in the life of the reader. Letellier has done it again!--Cindy Lambert, co-author of Unplanned Shauna Letellier has done a remarkable service for those of us whose hopes in Christ at one time or another have buckled under the weight of some unbearable disappointment. She deftly moves between the first century and our own to give biblical precedent for the legitimacy of our own doubts, questions, and confusion. In doing so, she encourages us by showing that those responses are not distinct from biblical hope but rather are distinctive aspects of it. An affirming devotional for either personal or group use.--Ken Gire, author of Moments with the Savior and Windows of the Soul Shauna Letellier is establishing herself as a writer who can not only identify and clarify deep feelings and questions, but also bring Biblical meaning and help to people who need it. In Remarkable Hope, she again pinpoints specific disappointed people in the Scriptures and gives us a glimpse of what God might be about in their lives. And that is the genius of this book: We see God at work reviving hope in troubled hearts, troubled times. Invitingly written, you'll find it hard to put down; and your soul will drink in these life-giving words. Shauna uses Biblical characters to show us our own need. She selects theological thinkers to reinforce application for us. This is a blend of substance and emotional connection, perspective and deep passion, help and hope.--Gregory C. Carlson, Ph.D., Chair and Professor of Christian Ministries and Leadership, Trinity International University