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.  1st Thessalonians 4:13  NIV

He was one of the gang.  He was always there when the group of friends got together.  He had a pleasant character.  There were so many memorable times they spent in each other´s company. One day though, a couple of friends went for a mountain bike ride.  He did not come back.   A helicopter lifted him to the nearest hospital, but it was too late.  He died from the accident.  The friends were all deeply saddened.  Their group was now smaller.  They had lost one of the dear members.  But some of them did not have to feel the weight like the rest.  What was the difference?  How do we take the separation of death?

We may never guess what life could be like after death.  But those who put their hope in Jesus Christ find their hope in God.  We grieve the loss of loved ones, but we know that the Lord has His plan.  Our tears can contain not only sorrow but joy as well.  We can smile knowing the depth of the love of God.  We can rejoice in our Savior who conquered over death.  We can let our spirits rise with hope in His promises.  If we truly follow Him, then we can always be with Him.  So instead of feeling only despair like the rest, can we sense this glimmer of hope?  Can we put our trust in Christ to bring us all safely through to be with our God for eternity?

Dear Lord,

Fill us with the hope of being found in You!  Tell us again, that all will be well and we will be with You forever, we pray!

Amen