“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4
This past week I had two dear friends die. It was a rough week for many of us who loved them. I felt a bit shaken and found myself waking up at night trying to get my head around the fact that these dear ones with whom I had enjoyed fellowship, laugher, and labor for Jesus with were now… gone. I prayed for their families and talked to God about how I was feeling.
The reality of pain, suffering, and death forced me to ask once again, “Where is my hope?” 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 ministered to 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.” 1Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NIV)
Amen! As Christians, we have a hope beyond the grave! So, let me ask you today, “Where is your hope?” Is it in your health? Is it in your finances? In your success? There are no guarantees in life. Or are there? The real question is, “What is your hope founded on?”
As you face difficulties this week, let your hope be founded on the Scriptures. Let God’s Word fill you with hope as you read it and apply it to your life everyday!
Encouraged by hope,
Bill
Posted in A Word from the Pastor