I was thinking about stuff I already knew. Things I thought I knew, and understood. After looking back on that thinking, I'm not sure I really did understand things...
I've been a Christian for a long time, relative to the time I've been around. As long as I can remember, I've known there's a God. For the majority of the time, I've known that God loves me. I've been told that Jesus was raised from the dead and He took the punishment for our sins--Everyone's sins. And I've talked, I've been told, I've sung, and I've prayed about hope. A kind of 'Christian hope'.
But, I've often struggled with hope. Struggled to have it, or understanding why I have it... Thinking my hope is foolish, or wanting not to have hope. Being a Christian, though... Hope is kinda a big thing (deja vu... pretty sure I've said that before). So, like I said, over the past few days I've been thinking, and here are some of my 17 year-old thoughts on 'Christian hope'.
Hope is found in the risen Christ. Suffering is not removed by his resurrection, but transformed by it. His resurrection kills even the power of death, and promises that God will wipe away every tear in the end. But we still have tears (and are allowed to have them) in the present. We still die. In God's future, though, death will die.
The hope of the Resurrection is not optimism, isn't saying 'everything on earth is ok', but it keeps the Christian facing ever toward the future, not dwelling in the present, like we so often get stuck doing. It does not take away pain, or make pain any less, or say 'get over it' but just that... one day it will be beaten.
And I truly believe that.
And I truly believe that.
6 comments:
Absolutely bang on the money. I really don't think I could have said it any better myself, Sarah! Well done!
Not going to lie to ya... feeling pretty privileged that you invited me to read.
Also... Keep thinking. I am pretty sure Matt would agree with me on this one, but I think the inquisitive Christian is the one that keeps moving forward in Christ rather than stagnating.
I fully agree with you, Eric. I think that God created us with minds of inquiry and that we shouldn't just rest on our laurels or check our brain at the door as people of faith. Eric, is that what you were getting at?
Indeed.
Your ability to hang on to your hope is something that gives me hope. Understand that?
Deets, that's exactly how I feel! Sarah, keep on hoping because it's really important and encourages the people who love you as well!
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