When grief hits, or a diagnosis comes, faith will see you through

Someone this week spoke of their shock when someone close to them died suddenly. The news threw their life into turmoil. A reminder that loss disrupts our lives and makes us yearn for strong, secure foundations. During upheaval, we all seek a hope that will not disappoint. Only God offers this constancy; He promises to keep us safe with His righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).

Consider how the two criminals crucified alongside Jesus responded when all hope had gone (Luke 23:39-43). Both shared the same predicament, but one mocked. “If you’re really the Christ, save yourself, and us.” Self-focused. Bitter. Coming on his own terms, refusing to face what he truly was. In contrast, the other man, with humility, said: “We’re getting what we deserve”, and Jesus has “done nothing wrong.” Turning to Jesus says, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And Jesus answered immediately: “Today you will be with me in paradise.” This promise of paradise is significant. It is not simply a waiting room or an ending, but a place marked by joy, freedom from pain, fear, and loss. Here, God’s constant, unshakeable hope is realised.

So, when grief hits, when a diagnosis comes, or when we stand at a graveside wondering if we will ever feel whole again, it’s so important to remember true hope is a person: Jesus. We need this hope if we are not to be the man who mocked. Hope is the oxygen we need. Jesus promises us that death does not have the final word, and neither does our pain.

I often reflect on this story and the man who trusted Jesus. The promise that anyone who seeks forgiveness, even with final words, is promised eternity with him. This assurance of salvation also brings hope and reassurance into my daily life. When you trust Jesus, knowing that nothing can separate you from him (Romans 8:38-39), you will find strength for each day. You’ll find the abundant life Jesus promised.