Hope That Does Not Disappoint

 “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5)

She was only 13 years old the day that she was tragically murdered in the rotunda of her high school on a very ordinary school day. Our church and community were struck with her horrific death and we grieved for the loss of one so young.

In the midst of the grief the community and country watched. How would our church and our youth group of whom she was a vibrant member, deal with her senseless death. They were shocked! Because we did not grieve as those who had no hope, because we knew exactly where she was, with her Heavenly Father that she loved and served.

A year has passed since that tragic day and as we looked back on the past year, we all had to agree that our hope had not disappointed. The journey had been difficult, the loss painful, but we had reminded each other that the last words that she and a friend had been writing out were still true today:

         This is Amazing Grace, this is Amazing Love,

That you would take my place, that you would bear my cross,

You laid down your life that I would be set free

Jesus I sing for all you have done for me.

Maybe your family too has suffered loss and grieves for those gone to soon. I know our family has lost three members that we miss but we celebrate that we have a hope that does not disappoint.

 Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you that this life on earth is only temporary and that we have the hope of spending all of eternity with you. Help me to today to remember to live my life in light of that truth regardless of the circumstances I am facing. Amen