“If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.”-1 Corinthians 15:19 (NIV84)
This week, one of my dear friend’s son died suddenly and unexpectantly. He was only 24 years old. It is going to be a really rough week for many dear saints. I feel a bit shaken and found myself trying to get my head around the fact that this young child of God is now… gone. I am praying for God to supernaturally comfort the families involved.
The reality of pain, suffering, and death has forced me to ask once again, “Where is my hope?” I was reminded that one month before he died, Jean-Paul Sartre (a well-known atheist) was agonizing over the thought of death. He was heard to say again and again, “I know I shall die in hope…but hope needs a foundation!” I am so thankful to God, for giving us a solid foundation on which we can have hope – even as we walk through the valley of death. These verses have comforted me during times of grief and sorrow. I hope they will minister to you:
“Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore, encourage each other with these words.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NIV)
Amen! As Christians, we have a hope beyond the grave. So, let me ask you, “Where is your hope?” In your health? In your finances? In your success? The only guarantee we have is hope in Christ.
As you face difficulties, sorrows, and pain this week, let your hope be founded on Him. Let God’s Word fill you with hope as you read it and apply it to your life every day.
Encouraged by hope,
Bill
Posted in A Word from the Pastor