We Have This Hope

Hebrews 6:19

A Worthy Journey

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Webster’s dictionary defines HOPE as “to want something to happen or be true” or “to desire with expectation of obtainment or fulfillment” I would argue that Miriam Webster missed the mark regarding true HOPE.

There was a day not too many years ago when I had to make a very conscience and active decision to either keep living life or to give up. I decided I would trust God’s plan and keep living life. I was only able to make that decision because of HOPE. HOPE isn’t a wish or a desire. True HOPE is an absolute faith and certainty of God and His promises. No matter how much I wished tragedy had not struck, it still had. No matter how much I desired to have my child back in my arms, that would not happen. There was no amount of wishing or desiring that could have changed the outcome. However my perspective regaridng my circumstances was grounded in true faith and certainty of God’s promises (HOPE). It was grounded in a knowledge that this life isn’t about me; It’s about furthering the kingdom of God. Its also gounded in a true faith in God’s love, His forgiveness, His sacrifice, and ultimately an eternity with Him. HOPE allows me to rest in the assurance that one day I will experience true peace in heaven at the right hand of my Savior and all of my heartache, pain and sorrow will be forever wiped away. Becuase of my faith and HOPE, I know that my loved ones will be there as well and that our reunion will be more amazing than I can ever imagine.

I’ve been at that place where life seems too difficult to continue. I’ve been in stormy waters and felt like I was drowning. You may be there as well. No matter how big the storm feels, how fast the waves are crashing, or how hard the wind is blowing you too can rest in HOPE. You can cast all of your worries, doubts, heartaches, and grief at the feet of our Jesus.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6: 25-26

I wish I could suggest an easy fix or prescription, but I can’t. This is all much easier said than done. Immediately after the accident that took my husband and son, I was completely overwhelmed with grief. I was consumed with pain and worried how I could survive this heartache. I literally worried about how I was going to get up and function and not be overwhelmed with pain. I worried about how I would do life alone without them. I worried about finances, taking care of the house, the outcome of the lawsuits, taking care of others… I was literally overwhelmed with worry during this time.

At some point I had to remember that none of this life matters and that I was child of God and that he had all of this in the palm of His hands. I often still find ways to worry about my life, my future and the plans God has for me. When that happens I simply call out the name of Jesus and He is always faithful to comfort. I still have to frequently give it all back to him as I frequently take it back and worry. Learning how to HOPE is not easy, but a worthy journey on the road to healing and life.

“We have this HOPE as an ANCHOR for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sactuary behind the curtain where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf.” Hebrews 6:19-20

Adversity

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Adversity… To be honest, I feel like I’ve had my fair share.  I’m not one of those people who say, “I wouldn’t change a thing, I’m better for my challenges”.  No, I would give it all away and go back to life before loss or before the trial.  However, I will say that facing loss and tribulations has given me new perspective.  I can now say that I really don’t sweat the small stuff.

Don’t get me wrong.  I often cry out to God, “Enough already! Isn’t it someone else’s turn”.  Adversity has certainly challenged my faith.  One thing I know, God never leaves my alone during these challenges.

Why then does God place adversity in our lives?  Well, partly because we live in a world filled with sin and selfishness.  Sometimes the adversity we face is our own fault.  We put ourselves in difficult situations because of the poor choices we make.  Our selfish, greedy, unforgiving nature sometimes lands us in difficult circumstances.  Choices like spending beyond our means, drug and alcohol abuse, lying and cheating are all self serving behaviors that often end in heartache.

Sometimes though, the adversity we face is not a result of our choices. It’s just the way life plays out.  Especially when it comes to loss or the evil doings of others.  Many survivors of such tragedy or loss ask themselves, “What did I do wrong?  Is God punishing me? Did I cause this?” NO! We do, however, live in a broken sin filled world and God allows us to live through challenges to bring glory and honor to him.

In the face of adversity, my faith is increased and my resolve is strengthened.  Just this week my dear friend Lisa Butler reminded me of this verse.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produce perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”  James 1:2-4

When faced with adversity I have to remind myself that this life is not about me; it’s a precursor to eternity.  This life is about furthering the Kingdom of God.  How I handle the adversity God places in my life will either bring glory and honor to him and show others Christ OR it will bring disgrace and turn people away from Him.

I choose to praise and honor God through my adversity.  This is a daily choice that is never easy.  I continue to face adversity of all sorts.  Particular recent challenges require me to continually ask God for direction about when to move and when to be still.  It is sometimes hard to know when God wants you to stand up to evil or when he wants you to wait on him to move.  You can only know the answer when you are in daily communion with Him.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”. I Thessalonians 5: 16-18

If you are in the midst of adversity, fall to you knees, pray and wait on God.  He will give you direction, wisdom and peace.

Just beat me to the final level

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I awoke this morning crying and dreaming of Landon.  This is something I rarely do.  I think its God’s way of allowing rest and protecting me from heartache.  These past several weeks I’ve dreaded the arrival of Mother’s Day as it is an acute reminder of my loss.  As parents who have lost children, Mother’s/Father’s Day are two holidays we feel coming like an impending hurricane.  We know it’s there swirling over the water, gaining strength, threatening to come tear us apart and destroy.

Early this Mother’s Day morning God allowed me to me to see Landon in one of those dreams.  In this short dream, the roles were reversed and I had died instead of my child.  I saw him at home in his room putting together a memory book/journal.  In this journal he had pictures and had written down stories/memories.  On the last page it said,  “To be continued… Mom beat me to the final level”.  Landon knew God, his love and all about eternity.  In his youthful mind he wold have related this life to a video game and the final level is Heaven.  His mom just made it there before him.  He too would get there one day and we would continue our time together.

OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES…  I often have to remind myself, this is not the end.  This is just one blip in all eternity, just a short stop before reaching the final level.  Landon has just made it to the final level before me.

I’ve read a lot about Heaven since losing them. I’ve wondered what its like.  What will our relationships be like? Who will we live with?  What will love look like?  None of that really matters.  What I do know, based on reading a lot of God’s word, is that none of us can imagine the love, peace and beauty rejoicing with our Heavenly Father.

I also know God talks often in His Word about children.  He loves them, watches over them and protects them.  They are precious in his sight. Throughout the Bible God mentions children, their faith, their hearts, their ability to love, their innocence.  I know that part of what makes Heaven perfect is that it will be filled with children.

My son is one of those eternal children. I imagine right now there is a beautiful Christian mom, who has already made it to the final level, there to help him and guide him.  One day, all of us faithful moms left here on earth have the opportunity to be Forever Heavenly Moms.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believe in his shall not perish but have eternal life”.  John 3:16

Remember, God created us as eternal beings to live in eternity with him.  I’m an eternal mom, I have an eternal child. We just have to wait a while, as out little ones have just beaten us to the final level.

“And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them and blessed them.” Mark 10:16

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven tougher in the depths of the earth.  Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139: 13-16

“God bless the Mother who has lost a child…Heal her hurting aching heart, and just hold her for a while… God give the Mother peace whose Child you’ve called away… And give her the joy in knowing… They will reunite someday…. ”    Anonymous, Shared by my friend Lisa this Mother’s Day morning.

Because He is Risen Indeed!

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I’m often asked, “How do you do it everyday?”, “How do you keep going?” “How do you still smile?” “How do you get out of bed every day?”

The short answer, because HE IS RISEN!

As Easter rolls around each and every year, we are reminded that God gave his only Son as a sacrifice for our sins.  He died on a cross and rose from the dead so that all who believe can have eternal life.

“He is not here, he has risen, just as he said.” Matthew 28:6

As a survivor of such traumatic loss, I remind myself of this truth every single day.  This is not my final destination.  This life is just a mere blip in all eternity.  I remind myself that I am a daughter of the King.  He has sealed my eternity in Glory.  I will one day be reunited in Heaven with those who have gone before me and sit at the feet of Jesus and sing praises to Him.

“We who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air”.  I Thessalonians 4:17

Yes, I know I will one day be reunited with my loved ones and will rejoice with them in Heaven.  I have this HOPE! HOPE is not a wish. It is firm belief grounded in faith and promises from my Heavenly Father.

As a widow and mom who has lost her son, getting out of bed is difficult each and every day. I still cry every single day, I don’t always smile and my heart is still broken in ways many of you can’t imagine.  I don’t always want to keep going, however, I know God has a bigger plan than I can see.  My purpose here is to be an example to others and be the hands, feet and words of Jesus so that they too can have this HOPE!

He is Risen, Yes He is Risen Indeed!

“We have this HOPE as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” Hebrews 6:19

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