Heather Kampf is an exceptional runner with impressive credentials. She once took first place in a 600-meter race after falling flat on her face! In the final 200 meters, just as she took the lead, Heather tripped and fell hard, leaving her at the back of the pack. She could easily have become discouraged and accepted what everyone was thinking—her race was over. But she didn’t stay down. Instead, Heather sprang up and immediately started catching up. To the amazement of everyone watching, she went on to win the race.

It’s tempting to quit when we face setbacks. Shame, depleted resources, and a bruised ego can leave us drained of hope. But Kampf’s comeback provides a reflection of the enduring hope we can experience in Jesus. Our response when we face a major setback is vital, and our hope is restored through renewed expectation in Him. Because of Christ we’re able to stand in the joy and confidence He provides: “We have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us” (Romans 5:1-2).

And “we can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment” (Romans 5:3-5).

We can become consumed by the weight of daily frustrations, but God’s perspective on our lives is eternal. When our hope remains firmly in Him, we can be confident that “since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. . . . [He] has made us friends of God” (Romans 5:9-11). In Jesus, our hope endures!

NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 4:23-37