1 Corinthians 15 vs 19(KJV)
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
I've read this verse a hundred times and know it by heart. Although it is one sentence, 17 words, it speaks volumes! As a Christian we have hope in a risen Saviour. We have hope in what is to come. It's that one word in the verse that is often over looked. "If in this life ONLY we have hope in Christ". What a thought! The Bible tells us of the hope we have IN THIS LIFE in Christ. Not wealth, not power, and not even health. We have hope in this life in the fact that we are never alone regardless of what we face. Hebrews 13 vs 5 "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." We have hope that regardless of the bad that comes in this life we have a friend that sticks closer than a brother. It's easy to look around and see everything that is wrong. We can look at our circumstance, job, health, financial situations and pick a thousand things that are not what we want. Do you ever stop and look around at all the things you are blessed with? Job, health, family, financial situation, the ability to enjoy a sunrise, the breeze that comes through while you're sitting under a shade tree. All these things are often times overlooked, but all things that are good come from God! How much better would it be if we took time to notice all the things that are right and the hope in this life that we have? God has not only given us the hope in this life, he has given us the hope and promise that death has no power over those that accept him.
1 Corinthians 15 vs 55-58(NIV)
Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ knowing that through him it holds no power.
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
What a wonderful life we could live if we could hold to these simple truths. God is faithful in this life and faithful after the this life is over. Take the time to take inventory of your life and the things that God allows you to enjoy. While death is a reality, it's certainly not the end! Revelation 21 vs 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be anymore pain; for the former things are passed away.
I hope you take time to look around and see the hope you have here, and take comfort in what is to come!
