Jesus: Our Only Hope; Heaven: Our Real Home

If only for this life we have hope in Christ,

we are of all people most to be pitied.

1 Corinthians 15:19

My boys love Star Wars. And I've come to love it too.

Even if you've never watched the movies, you probably have heard this quote from Princess Leia: This is our most desperate hour. Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope.

Can you relate to Princess Leia? Ever had plans fail? Ever felt desperate?

Some dear friends lost their 23-year-old son this past weekend, just before Mother's Day. It's every parent's nightmare. Right now, I can't think of a more desperate situation where all hope seems lost. Their son is gone, and nothing will bring him back.

My friend is a prayer warrior. She's prayed over her two sons since birth — for everything including safety and their future spouses. Were those prayers unanswered? Why didn't God stop the deadly car accident? He is all powerful. Certainly, He could have.
Those are the questions we ask in desperate times. We need hope.
As Christians, our hope is far more powerful than Obi-Wan. Our hope is Jesus, who conquered death and promises everlasting life to those who trust in Him.

As I looked for verses on hope, I found our verse for today.

I was surprised by Paul's words. If we only have hope in this life, we should be pitied. Seems kind of strong.

As I continued to search the scriptures, I found what I already knew to be true.

Heaven is the only place where all suffering will end forever. Sometimes, we must look at the big picture to find hope. And that's hard in desperate moments.

Sometimes I just have to meditate on truth no matter how I feel.

1 Thessalonians 4:13
Titus 1:2
I Corinthians 15:54-58

Lord, please comfort those hurting. Please bring encouragement to those who desperately need it. Show me how I can encourage those around me.

Stacy