HOPErspective

It was summer 2010, and it was wonderful! This was the summer between my junior and senior year of high school and I spent it with one of my older sisters (Tara), her husband(love you bro), and my new born nephew at the time Zach (my favorite little boy in the whole world). I enjoyed being with my family, and my sister's church community welcomed me with open arms.

I met him there. My sister attended his life-group. A worshiper. A man who loved the Lord and loved others! He was so in love with his wife, and was super excited to take on the title of "Daddy" to his newborn little angel. He was excited about life! Summer passed and I took with me a host of unforgettable memories and new lessons learned.

Then I got a phone call from my sister. She was crying. She informed me that he had died.

Wait! Pause. WHAT?!!

No, he couldn't have. I just met him. He's awesome. His wife just had their baby. He loves the Lord. He loves people! No. What?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Death. It rips to the core of our humanity, and brings to light the ephemeral nature of our lives here on earth. Sin leads to death. Ever since that first act of disobedience, we've been dealing with the ramifications of our sinful nature and thus, the painful sting of its off-spring (death). And not just physical death. 

• Relational death- failed relationships with loved ones
• Emotional death -the inability to have compassion. Unable to 'feel'. Unhealthy barricades around our heart, caused by past hurt
• Spiritual death- sin separates us from being in proper relationship with our Holy Maker

The truth is that whether you are a believer in Christ or not, we are living in a broken world. Life happens.  Pain is very real. So, what’s the difference? If 'bad' things are going to happen to both Christians and non-Christians, why follow Christ? 

Hope. 

In Luke Chapter 9, Jesus finds out about Lazarus' death. Jesus tells his disciples that He is going to head to Judea to go and wake up Lazarus. The disciples remind Jesus that last time He was in Judea, the Jews were seeking to stone Him. That's when Jesus answered "Are there not 12 hours in a day? If anyone walks in the day he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world; but if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him." (v.11-12)

There are 12 hours in the day, and 12 hours in the night (give or take a few). So think about it, if you are on an obstacle course...whether in the day or night, you're bound to experience the same obstacles. Disappointment, Heartbreak, Death. Failure…you name it. But what's the difference?

Light.

Jesus says in John 8:12 “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

There's the difference. When we walk in the light, we have a perspective of hope. A hope that exudes the character of the One in whom it is placed. We serve a God who is steadfast, unmovable and fails not. Thus, so is our hope. We have a hope that is steadfast, unmovable, and that shall never fail. No matter what happens in this life, our perspective shall forever be Jesus Christ. The One who has taken all the "death" that this world offers, and through His life, death, and resurrection, has reconciled us to the Father, and has given us life. The hope of eternal life.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So, I’m sure you all are wondering what ever happened to his lovely wife?

                  I'll share with you a little excerpt from a note she shared almost a year after her husband went to be with the Lord .

                             " Although this hasn’t been an easy road to walk down, and it still hurts, sometimes worse than others, I can’t begin to imagine going through it without the Lord and without all of you and your love and support. I’m so glad my foundation is built on the Rock that can’t be shaken, no matter how hard the storm blows and the waves hit!"

He is life. He is the light. He is our Hope. 

1 Pet 3:15 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

Be encouraged,
 Diana