Divine Hope

We have a lot of expectations in life. Sometimes, or maybe most of the time, we don’t usually get what we want. Expectation can therefore lead to disappointment. In the period of regret, we feel sorry for our loss and wonder whether things can be changed if we take different approaches. We find ourselves in a crossroad when our hearts are troubled. At this time, do we act on hope or are we filled with despair?

My dad has gone to be with the Lord for a year now. I could never forget the Christmas in 2008 when he went into a coma during that time. It was cold and rainy in Taipei. My family was busy running between the house and the hospital. Our hearts were heavily burdened. We prayed for God’s mercy to spare his life but dad was not make any progress. The physicians and nurses told us that it would take a miracle for him to regain his consciousness and asked us to be prepared for the worst. I knew that dad was going to a better place but deeply inside of my heart I was hoping for a silver lining that dad could wake up and stay with us on the Earth.

Dad finally went to heaven on January 12, 2009. My feeling was mixed. It was comforting to know that his body didn’t need to suffer anymore. But what if I have prayed harder for his healing? Would it make a difference?

God certainly didn’t grant my request to prolong dad’s earthly life. But as a child of God, I believe His plan is always better than ours. We have experienced many good things during this difficult time. God helped with the medical bills. God prepared our hearts to wait on His timing. God’s love and grace overflew until dad’s last breath. Yes, I chose to act on hope. Because of this hope, I know I can meet dad again in heaven. Psalm 25:5 says “guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long”.

Nathanael had doubt about Jesus because He’s from Nazareth. But after Jesus pointed out who he really is, he had a new identity in Christ. He recognized that Jesus was the Son of God; the King of Israel. Because of Jesus’ resurrection, we have the living hope (1 Peter 1:3).

Jesus is a Wonderful Counselor — I can go to Him for every problems. Jesus is the Almighty God — nothing is too difficult for Him. Jesus is the Everlasting Father — people on earth will leave one day but He is always with me. He is the Prince of Peace — I can have peace in my heart and be at peace with others.

If we have no hope for the future, we will have no power for the present. Let’s continue to act on our hope and do not lose our heart. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)