Spiritually speaking, believers are never hopeless. How could we be? We were literally inherited into the family of God The Almighty. The Bible tells us that all who believe on Jesus Christ in their heart are called “Sons and Daughters” by the Heavenly Father. What an amazing truth!
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. JOHN 3:1-3
Let me tell you about a near tragedy. An illustration that describes every single man, woman, and child that ever lived or will live. Imagine that you are adrift on a fast moving river headed towards a life ending waterfall. You are unable to save yourself because the current is too strong.
Then you hear someone on the cliff above “I called a rescue boat to save you!” The boat is dispatched and it comes roaring up to your dangerous position. A hand is offered. To be saved you have to put your trust in the strength of that hand to pull you to safety, and power of that boat to get you to shore. If you don’t accept the hand being offered, going over the falls is guaranteed.
This is exactly what God, Creator of All Things, did for the World in the giving of His Only Begotten Son. The hand being offered is Jesus and the boat is the Eternal Godhead. God’s Son traded His power for our human weakness, coming to Earth to ransom and save whosoever will come. Our sin requires a just judgment. Jesus took God’s just judgment for sin upon himself, he is the only way we can be declared forgiven. God’s provision to the World is the life of his perfect Son. Christ’s hand reaches out. Through his work on The Cross of Calvary salvation is near to all people. We must see that our sinful condition is terminal, and realize that we are unable to do anything, be anything, or give anything to merit God’s Salvation. We have a choice, death without Christ, or life in Christ. That’s it, the most important choice you will ever make.
My earthly father died alone during the Covid Era. I was not allowed to be there. Covid was a strange and tragic time for so many people, where dignity was trampled by the governing “necessity”. Regardless, I hold onto the good memories I have of Dad. His profession of knowing Christ, his patriotism and generosity, many memories were fresh on my mind the day I eulogized him at the graveside. I believe my Dad knew Jesus, and that the burdens of his life were traded for glorious a freedom in Heaven. This freedom is something I want for you too. You found this blog post and took the time to read it. God loves you! That’s exactly why these words were put here.
As we grow older, the reality of loss becomes more familiar. Our parents, friends, mentors, spouses, even children may pass on before us. Grief becomes a companion, not a stranger. But in sorrow, we can experience something deeper than pain — a strong and quiet grace.
Scripture teaches that our suffering is not wasted. Romans 8:28 reminds us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” This includes our grief. The loss of loved ones stings badly, yet it awakens eternity in our hearts. It reminds us that this world is not our home. It pulls our eyes from what is temporary and anchors them in the eternal hope we have in Christ.
Through loss, there can come a renewed sense of compassion, a greater hunger for heaven, and a deeper dependence on God. These are bitter blessings — hard to receive, but rich in spiritual fruit.
In the twilight years of life, each goodbye between fellow believers, becomes a whisper of a future reunion. For death is not the end, but just a doorway. In that promise, you and I can stand, yes we grieve — but we are never without hope.
