Hope Again: When Life Hurts and Dreams Fade

by Charles R. Swindoll

Find hope to press on...
Hope to endure...
Hope to stay focused...
Hope to see dreams fulfilled...

Hope is more than mere wishful thinking. Hope is a vital necessity of life? A gift that God wants to give to you. And in a world that regularly writes dreams off as foolish and drains the hope from the heart with dark pessimism, Hope Again is a voice crying in the wilderness... a word of enthusiasm for life in the midst of any difficult situation you are in.

Combining the New Testament teachings of Peter and the insights of one of the most popular authors of our day, Hope Again is an encouraging, enlivening, and refreshing look at why we can dare to hope no matter who we are, no matter what we face.

As Charles Swindoll says, "If you want to smile through your tears, if you want to rejoice through times of suffering, just keep reminding yourself that what you're going through isn't the end of the story, it's simply the rough journey that leads to the right destination."

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Religion, Inspirational, Faith, Spirituality

302 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Charles Swindoll has devoted over four decades to two passions: an unwavering commitment to the practical communication and application of God's Word, and an untiring devotion to seeing lives transformed by God's grace. Chuck graduated magna cum laude from Dallas Theological Seminary and has since been honored with four doctorates. For his teaching on Insight for Living, he has received the Program of the Year award and the Hall of Fame award from the National Religious Broadcasters as well as multiple book awards.

Reviews

[Neil R. Coulter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hope Again is a series of reflections on the New Testament book of 1 Peter—a book that was originally a letter from Peter to followers of Jesus scattered throughout the known world. Peter writes encouragement and instruction to those believers, equipping them with what they need to endure (and even rejoice in the midst of) times of suffering, showing them how to live harmoniously with one another and in their communities, and communicating a clear theology of what God is like and how we are to relate to him.

In following 1 Peter from start to finish, this book is different from some of my favorites by Chuck Swindoll (The Grace Awakening and The Mystery of God’s Will) which range more broadly through the whole Bible, drawing in related stores and applications throughout. Hope Again references more than just 1 Peter (the books of James and Hebrews are also frequently brought into the discussion, along with many other parts of the Bible), but the focus on one book seems to limit the scope; and I find I prefer when Swindoll chooses a theme rather than a particular book of the Bible. Hope Again is more obviously based on a sermon series than some of Swindoll's other books.

Still, this is a fantastic topic, always relevant and needed, and one that means a lot to me right now. Swindoll closes each chapter with a prayer about that chapter’s topic, and I appreciated making those prayers personal for where I’m at in life right now. Chapter 15, “Hope Beyond Dissatisfaction,” was particularly useful for me.

This would be a good book to work through slowly, rather than reading cover-to-cover in a few sittings. I think it would be very good as a guide for a book group discussion that meets weekly. It offers many opportunities for sharing stories together and discussing Swindoll’s suggested strategies for holding onto hope.

[Garritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of hope for anyone regardless of where you are in life. As I read the chapter titles, I can't wait to dig into them. With the fourth anniversary of my sons death quickly approaches, june 26, I need all the help I can get.

[Lucille]

I'm beginning to hope again :)

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like books by Chuck Swindoll. Very encouraging book teaching the reader the book of 1st Peter. Very enjoyable.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize that this was more about 1 and 2 Peter then it was topical. I honestly was disappointed and didn't feel it lived up to the title.

Anyway, this book still had some good points and I'm glad I took the time to read it.

[Marcy W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written about 1 Peter. Excellent!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of my more favorite Charles Swindoll books. By the descriptions I assumed it would would have the general trials and overcoming sorts of themes to it, which it does to some extent, but it wasn't what I needed at this point in my life or what I was looking for. The topics were too varied from chapter to chapter and their wasn't any "flow" to it or overall point other than a general topic of "hope" for whatever general things Christians deal with on a daily basis. I much perfer his Christian Lives series books to this one. Still I did find a few chapters and passages that were encouraging.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a useful book. I've read several like it and this is certainly an inspiring book. However, it's not something that gripped my imagination or my attention.

Overall, it's worth reading as it has a lot to offer.

[Ica Purba · Rating 5 out of 5]

buku yang satu ini, memngajarkn kita untuk memiliki pengharapan di dalam Tuhan, walau apapun yg terjadi tetaplh berpengharapan. dibalik segala yg terjai, ada rencana indah yang Tuhan ingin nyatakn bagi kita.. buku yang sangat menginspirasi.

[Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Charles R. Swindall is one of my favorite inspirational writers. Unfortunately, this is not one of his better works. The points he makes in analysis of I Peter in the New Testament don't take on the usual "sticking" power. I was very disappointed.

[Elizabeth Vanderesch]

I quit. No hope for me i guess!

[Neil G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS IS A BOOK ABOUT HOPE... that is a powerful opening statement.

[Leo Shaikhadeh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not done yet, but its a wonderfull start.

[Maita Domaoal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. I'm glad God has blessed the world with pastors like Swindoll. It has also made me study the book of Peter again.

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an abridged audio edition of the book and I found it to contain just the material I was counting on reading/learning. Very insightful and informative; much food for thought and prayer.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope Again is Charles Swindoll's section by section study on the book of 1 Peter. It reads like a pastoral commentary, with Swindoll's trademark writing style in evidence very much like his preaching - some theological depth yet very practical and accessible with relevant illustrations. Lots of good food for thought and very practical.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book which is indeed full of hope - there is a lot to take in so probably I will need to reread it again some day.

[Sharon Phinney]

Excellent! Encouraging and helpful.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Charles Swindoll’s books because he always goes verse by verse explaining and examining it.
When I read this book I grabbed my bible and opened 1 Peter and did a bible study along with it!
Rejoice in various trials, long for the pure milk of the word,and Christ is our ultimate example.

[Don Meyers]

Llll

[Holly Beadle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swindoll’s “The Grace Awakening” is one of my top 5 favorite/impactful books. “Hope Again” was an encouraging read. He takes you through the book of 1 Peter with the perspective on suffering. Great read.