June 2, 2024 - How to Have Hope in the Devastating Moments of Life - Pastor Paul Vallee

John Series, John 11:1-40 Shattered dreams are difficult to handle. Tragedy and losses come in many faces: it can be an overwhelming health issue or a relational one. It can be huge financial reversals or the loss of a loved one to death. When tragedy strikes, life can quickly lose its luster and meaning. We can struggle with the desire to move forward because life, as we know it, will never be the same. One of the great sermons of all time was preached by a Scottish minister named Arthur Gossip, who, the Sunday following the sudden and unexpected death of his beloved wife, entitled his message, ‘When Life Tumbles In, what then? We all need to answer this question in our hour of trial and tragedy. I want us to look at an event that triggered what was about to happen to Jesus, his death and ultimately, his resurrection. An hour of great victory would trigger one of the most tragic moments, the cross. John tells us that the resurrection of Lazarus was ‘the straw that broke the camel’s back.’ it triggered the course of events, which we call the passion week, or the suffering of Jesus. This incident is found only in John’s gospel, and we discover something disturbing and delightful about this story. This incident raises both painful questions and gives comforting answers. The story shatters dreams but ultimately restores hope in life’s most devastating moments.