We Have This Hope

And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 

1st Thessalonians 4:13 NLT

I don't know how non-believers deal with the death of loved ones. I have lost multiple family members and friends in the last 13 months. Words cannot fully convey the depth of loss when someone we love dies. In our case, by God's grace, ALL of them knew Christ and were in relationship with Him when they transitioned to eternity. So, although there are days when I am incredibly sad for being left here to do life without them, I have hope. I WILL see them again. FOREVER.

If we read further in the chapter for today, verses 14 - 18 explain this...

14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. 15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words. 1st Thessalonians 4:14-18 NLT

Are you encouraged? I know I am.

Prayer:

Father,
           Your Word tells us it won't be long till You come and bring Your reward to give to everyone according to their work. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! In Your Name we pray. Amen