Never Lose Hope
Each one of us faces dark times. It's a part of every story and a common theme as we've interviewed families who have faced medical challenges. Regardless of what the darkness or discouragement looked like, these moments become one of the most powerful parts of a family's story. These are the moments where hope is most needed and most powerful.
There have been times of both good and bad along our story, but as I look back, the times of discouragement stand out as moments where we saw God carrying us with great clarity. Discouragement has taken many forms throughout our journey. I've had days where I was discouraged about medical expenses, disappointing test results, periods of waiting, worry about symptoms that we didn't know the cause of, the future, and the list goes on. But on the other side of those days I also see God's provision, presence, comfort, promises, and grace.
It's in these moments of discouragement when hope is most needed. But it's also these moments when the light of hope tends to be most noticeable and powerful.
The power of hope when it's dark
I was reading at the end of Matthew, and a part that I've glossed over in the past stood out:
"Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb."
- Matthew 28:1
Right after this we read about the earthquake and angel of the Lord who announces that Jesus has risen, but I thought about the choice that these two women made to wake up early and walk to the tomb.
I can't quite imagine what that weekend was like. They had watched Jesus crucified and buried, then they had a couple of days of silence.
Waiting.
I wonder what kinds of thoughts and worries went through their heads as the hours passed. Somehow, through the darkness and silence of those days, they managed to hold onto enough hope to get them up for an early morning walk to the tomb — and Jesus met them, the fulfillment of hope.
Securing my hope
I can tend to over analyze, worry, or lose focus and fall into the camp of those later in chapter 28 who doubted. We don't know what thoughts Mary and Mary had over that weekend, but they showed me that hope is a more powerful thing than fear or doubt. These women show us the power of taking a simple step in hope.
If you're in a season where the darkness feels thick or the doubts and fears are heavy, remember that after the weekend of darkness, Jesus rose and met with those who were mourning. His message? Do not be afraid. I will be with you.
Have you reached out to Jesus recently to let him know what is on your mind and heart? To tell him what you're afraid of? I'm still learning how to recognize the moments when I need to take another step toward Jesus, but every time I do, he is there with open arms.
The thing about having my hope anchored to Jesus is, it's like the dawn from that early morning walk — it pushes out the darkness and heaviness.
“Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous. … He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.”
- Psalm 112:4, 7
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”
- John 8:12
"O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord."
- Isaiah 2:5
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