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.
–1 Thessalonians 4:13
Have you lost a Christian loved one or friend, and though you grieve the loss, you know it is only a temporary one? That is what Paul is talking about here as he addresses the followers of Jesus—that hope we have in Jesus.
Dr. Snyder asks the question: “But how is hope for this distant life beyond the grave related to your 100-day prayer? Here’s the point: the same hope applies to the loss of anything, maybe the very thing you’re praying about right now. There’s nothing we can lose in this world that cannot be restored—absolutely nothing. If it’s capable of being lost, it’s capable of being recovered, either in this life or the next.
“Let that stay in the forefront of your mind when you’re praying about anything you think has been snatched unjustly or abruptly from you. Practice some ‘reality therapy’ in the situation you’re facing. The reality of the resurrection isn’t only an encouragement just for the end of the world. It’s supposed to affect everything we think about and do today. The same power that operated to raise Jesus’ physical body from the tomb on Easter morning is operating this very day to bring dead things back to life: dead dreams, dead careers, dead marriages, and all the rest. This good news is the very heart of the faith–don’t forget it!”
TODAY’S PRAYER: Are you afraid that you are never going to get over your loss? Then open up you Bible and read again about Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, and remember that God can and does use that same power in your life today as he did in the past.
Photo by Kris via Flickr
- God of the Last Minute - September 25, 2018
- Your 100 Day Prayer: Day 100 – A New Day - April 10, 2018
- Your 100 Day Prayer: Day 99 – The Final Chapter - April 9, 2018
