Unshakeable Hope in the Hands of God

After the events of 9/11 that shook the nation, the church became a place of refuge for thousands who gathered to pray for the victims, their families, the missing, the heroic first responders, and the nation’s leaders. The collective prayers sought comfort, guidance, and strength for all affected.

On September 16, 2001, just days after the tragic events of 9/11, Dr. John Claypool delivered a timeless message with a reminder that even in our darkest moments, hope in God is not only possible—it is essential. Drawing from both his own experiences and the biblical narrative, Dr. Claypool’s words resonated with a truth that is foundational to the Christian faith:

“In God’s hands, the worst things are never the last things.”

In his sermon, Dr. Claypool shared the story of Frederick Buechner.  Buechner grew up in a privileged but spiritually indifferent family.  Buechner’s father was unable to cope with the pressures of the Great Depression and, lacking a spiritual foundation, tragically ended his own life. This left young Frederick with a profound sense of loss and no spiritual anchor. As he matured, Buechner followed the expected educational path, attending prestigious schools, but eventually struggling with depression and emptiness.

A turning point came when Buechner was encouraged to attend Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church, where Dr. George Buttrick preached. Dr. Buttrick’s sermons radiated a hope and vitality that deeply moved Buechner and shattered the barriers he had built around his heart. He experienced a spiritual awakening and began studying the Bible, which led to a relationship with Jesus and a career in ministry.

God’s Redemptive Work

On September 16, 2001, Dr. Claypool’s sermon began with the story of Joseph from the Old Testament, which recounts how God brought good from the worst circumstances. 

Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, was resented by his brothers, and they sold him into slavery. After enduring betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment, He was elevated to a position where he could save his family during a time of famine. Joseph’s words to his brothers, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20), capture the heart of biblical hope:

God is never outmatched by evil. He is always working for good in the lives of those who trust Him. 

In the New Testament, Paul wrote to the church at Rome, reminding them of God’s providential will to bring about good in all things:

Romans 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Even when life is painful and confusing, God is actively working in and through every circumstance for His ultimate good.

God-given Freedom 

Dr. Claypool addressed the difficult question of why God allows suffering. He explained that God, in His love, gave humanity free will, which is necessary to experience true joy and an authentic relationship with God. Although freedom means people can misuse their power for harm, God’s mercy and ability to use all things for good are limitless.  As the apostle Paul wrote, “where sin abounds, grace abounds even more” (Romans 5:20).

The Cross: The Ultimate Example of Hope

The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate demonstration of God’s love and His ability to bring good out of evil. What seemed to be the worst event—the death of the Son of God—became the means of salvation for the world. As Peter proclaimed:

1 Peter 1:3   Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Because Jesus conquered death, believers have an unshakeable hope that suffering and death are not the end. This hope is not wishful thinking, but a confident assurance rooted in God’s promises and the historical reality of Jesus’ resurrection.

Hope in Suffering: The Assurance of God’s Presence

The Bible does not promise a life free from suffering. Quite the opposite.  Jesus said:

“In the world you shall have tribulation” (John 16:33), and Paul wrote to Timothy, “…all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). 

However, when Jesus said that we will have tribulation, He also reminded us to “be of good cheer,” saying, “I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). We must never forget that God’s redemptive plan is to restore all things to the perfect state in which He created them and for the purpose He intended for mankind: 

 Revelation 21:4  God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Until that day, we are called to trust in God’s character and His power to redeem, knowing that “the Lord’s mercies are new every morning and great is His faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-24)

Persevere in Hope

Dr. Claypool closed his sermon with the example of Winston Churchill, whose life and leadership embodied a conviction and belief that the worst things are not the last things with God.  Churchill’s funeral was concluded with “Taps”—a military bugle call that signals “lights out” at the end of the day. But that wasn’t the last thing.  “Taps” was followed by “Reveille”— the bugle call that announced sunrise and represented the beginning of a new day.  Churchill knew, and so do we, that in Christ, when our days come to an end, there’s a new dawn awaiting us. Therefore, we persevere in our True Hope—Jesus, who anchors our souls (Hebrews 6:19) —and we find rest in knowing He is with us always (Hebrews 13:5).

Conclusion: The Invitation to Hope

No matter how dire our circumstances may be, God is present and at work. The worst things are never the last things because God is always able to bring forth good from evil. As we face uncertain futures, we are invited to embrace this hope, to trust in God’s redemptive power, and to become ambassadors of His love and mercy in the world.  Let us, therefore, never give up hope.

When trouble comes:

• Redirect your thoughts – Psalm 27:10, Colossians 3:2
• Review the works of the Lord – Psalms 77:11-12, Philippians 2:13
• Reclaim the Words of the Lord – Psalm 119:105, 2Timothy 3:16-17  

And always keep “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

Romans 8:18  For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

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