Reflection and Awe Lent Series - Strength For Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

“For the believer, there is hope beyond the grave because Jesus Christ has opened the door to heaven for us by His death and resurrection.” –Billy Graham

Thanks to God, this life is not the end of our story. Jesus made a way for all those who believe in Him to enter eternity with the Father in heaven. This truth strengthens our “now” and helps us look towards the “not yet.” As the songwriter Thomas Chisholm wrote, it gives us “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.”

Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, His victory over death, and His resurrection from the dead means we have hope in a life beyond what we see here on earth. When we said yes to following Christ, our citizenship changed. We were no longer earthly, sinful creatures, but we were made new creations and became citizens of heaven (2 Corinthians 5:17).

As such, we are now representatives or, as Paul says, ambassadors of heaven on earth (2 Corinthians 5:20). Not only have we been bought, redeemed, and made part of a new family, but we also have the absolute privilege of knowing how the story ends. Unlike the first-century believers, we have the book of Revelation, which tells us how it all ends and what awaits us in the New Jerusalem beyond. 

He wins.

Take heart. Be encouraged. Have hope.

He has overcome.

As believers in Christ, we must remember that what we see and experience here is not the whole story of our lives. There is more. Our eternal reward and inheritance are waiting for us.

Without Jesus, this world and all we experience here is the best it will ever be. But for those of us in Christ, this world and all we experience is the worst it will ever be. 

What awaits us is pure love, joy, goodness, and so much more. It’s why, despite beatings, persecution, shipwrecks, and a list of other difficulties, Paul can write to the church in Corinth, For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (2 Corinthians 4:17, NIV)

When we understand the magnitude of what Christ has done for us on the cross and what that has opened up for us in eternity, our light and momentary issues grow dim in the light of eternity. As we grasp the inheritance that awaits us, we will be strengthened for our trials here, taking heart and holding onto hope amid the storms.

The challenge we face is living in the tension of the “now and not yet.” We know what is to come; we know that Jesus has defeated the powers and authorities and secured a future for us with Him; we know that He wins, and yet we still must walk through the valley here.

Honestly, some days are easier than others to navigate. But in it all, let’s hold onto hope, trusting the story and its Author. As you do, His strength rises within you, and hope will become a sure footing in your soul.

As we reflect on what Christ has done for us, we trust the story and stand in awe of Him as we can find strength for today, knowing we have an assured hope for tomorrow.