Thank God for the hope we have in Christ Jesus.

My mom whispered through tears as she lamented the loss of her friend Betty. 

I moved from Southern California to the Bay on a Saturday. That Sunday my mom arrived back in the United States after having served with her church in Ghana for the previous two weeks. Just the day afterwards, on a Monday evening, I was driving to pick up a desk for the condo I just moved in to when my mom called. Her mission group leader had passed away in her home just hours prior.

My mouth fell open in shock and as much as the news rattled me, I couldn’t imagine the effect it had on my mom and her team. This was a woman who had poured into them, led them, challenged them, and loved them for months. Now she was gone. I’ve never been the best with words and I can’t remember what I spoke to my mom in an attempt to console her. I couldn’t be everything she needed in that moment, but I could pray to our Father, who could. 

I drove back home that Wednesday to pick up the rest of my things and also wanting to spend some time with my mom. It was one morning, sitting at my mom’s dining room table, in my quiet time when she came out of her room mourning. She spoke from her heart, questioning why the passing had happened while still acknowledging that God didn’t owe her an answer. Her vulnerability gave way to tears—tears mourning the loss and exposing her own anxieties. All I could do was sit and listen. 

At one point the words escape from her lips: thank God for the hope we have in Christ Jesus. This hope wouldn’t erase her pain in that moment, but it did remind her that joy was coming. That though her friend’s story had ended here on earth, she was just beginning a new story, one that would last for eternity. It was hope that found comfort in the fact that this world isn’t the end. Truthfully, I don’t think I could have hope if it was. 

I think about that often. Those who don’t have a relationship with the Father and believe this world is all there is to offer. I don’t say that condescendingly, but in awe. When I think about the brokenness and injustice and pain and suffering in this world, I find it hard to hold on to hope. But then I remember Jesus’ finished work on the cross and my hope is restored. I lift my eyes and worship, knowing with all of my heart, mind, and soul, that I have a Father who has never left my side. I lean into His Spirit, the Holy Spirit, dwelling inside me and remember that I have an Advocate leading me on. 

Thank God for the hope we have in Christ Jesus.

Thank God for the hope we have in Christ Jesus.

Thank God for the hope we have in Christ Jesus.

I’m truly grateful.