So, you’re telling me there’s a chance

11 / Sun  | Read Romans 1:15

Overview: Hope is an amazing thing. Even when the odds are stacked against us, one slim chance can bring us hope–along with the possibility of disappointment. But our hope in life isn’t in a long shot; it’s in Christ, who never disappoints.

12 / Mon – The Possibility of Hope  |  Read Romans 5:1–2

We all know what it feels like to hope for something that seems unlikely to happen. The movie line, “So, you’re telling me there’s a chance,” captures our desire to believe things might turn out differently. But our hope is not based on favorable odds or circumstances working in our favor. Through faith in Jesus, we have peace with God and access to His grace. Today’s Challenge: Identify one situation in which you need hope, and spend five minutes thanking God for His grace rather than worrying about the outcome.

13 / Tue – Hope When the Odds Are Against You |  Read Romans 5:3–4

It’s easy to feel hopeful when life is going well, but much harder when problems pile up. Paul tells us that suffering can produce perseverance, perseverance builds character, and character strengthens hope. This doesn’t mean we should welcome suffering, but that God can work in us even when our circumstances don’t change. Today’s Challenge: Think of one current difficulty and identify a quality God might be developing in you, such as patience, courage, or compassion.

14 / Wed –Hope That Doesn’t Disappoint  |  Read Romans 5:5

We’ve all experienced disappointment when something we hoped for didn’t happen. Paul tells us that our hope does not disappoint because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. This doesn’t mean every prayer will be answered as we wish, but that God’s love remains faithful even when life disappoints us. Today’s Challenge: Identify one expectation causing you anxiety, and surrender the outcome to God while choosing to trust His love.

15 / Thu – Loved Before We Deserved It  |  Read Romans 5:6–8

Sometimes we think we must get our lives together before we can feel confident in God’s love. Paul reminds us that Christ died for us while we were still sinners; God didn’t wait for us to become worthy before demonstrating His love. The cross shows us that our hope rests on God’s grace, not our performance. Today’s Challenge: Thank Jesus for loving you before you could earn that love, then show an unexpected act of kindness to someone else.

16 / Fri – More Than a Slim Chance  |  Read Romans 5:9–11

A slim chance means something might happen, but it might not. Our hope in Christ is different because it rests on what God has already done through Jesus, reconciling us to Himself. We can still hope for healing, restored relationships, and better days, but those outcomes are not the foundation of our faith. Today’s Challenge: Choose one situation in which you’ve been waiting for things to change, take one constructive step toward what is good, and leave the outcome in God’s hands.

17 / Sat – Grace Has the Final Word  |  Read Romans 5:12–15

Paul contrasts the sin that entered the world through Adam with the abundant grace God gives through Jesus Christ. Our failures are real, but God’s gift of grace is greater than our shortcomings and gives us a reason to keep moving forward. Christian hope doesn’t promise a life without pain or disappointment; it gives us a lasting foundation in Christ. Today’s Challenge: Complete this sentence in writing: “Even if I don’t know how this will turn out, I will trust God because…” Then share an encouraging word with someone who needs hope.