Living Hope

One of my favorite verses is 1 Peter 1: 3, ” Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade.” It’s a perfect way to end this day that stretched my emotions in different ways.

My dear aunt, diagnosed with cancer in 2019 and thought it disappeared, now learned that it has come back with a vengeance. My cousins, filled with disbelief, are trying to cope with the news. I sent one a text and she immediately phoned me back, crying and saying that she needed conversation. It is so difficult.

While on Facebook, I watched, appalled as a young person from Kansas was literately having a mental breakdown and recording it for anyone to watch. I sent her messages, but it didn’t seem to help. I messaged her father, hoping he could help her. It was unbelievable.

A church email appeared, asking prayer for a cancer victim who learned that she will need to face an upcoming surgery alone due to the virus. She is overwhelmed when she thinks about the length of time she will need to be away from her family.

But then another email came titled “Sharing Our Words”. Written by Corey’s math teacher, it reminded readers of the first question and answer of the Heidelberg catechism. It reminded me of our eternal hope, our Lord and Savior. Here is his reflection:

Ancient Words, Ever True“What is your only comfort in life and death?” The Heidelberg Catechism wastes no time asking and answering one of life’s most important questions. To whom or what do you go to in life’s most difficult times? Many people refer back to truths such as the Heidelberg Catechism instilled in them when they were young.   My wife, Kelly, paints decorative signs and had a customer ask for a custom order of Lord’s Day 1. Custom orders can be tough because she is tasked with creating a new design in a short period of time. However, she was eager to create a design for Question and Answer 1 of the catechism. She grew up at Cutlerville East CRC and went to catechism every Wednesday, so she knows the question and answer well. As a child Kelly was often indifferent to what she was learning, but now as an adult she is truly grateful for the treasure she was given. She has a place to turn when facing difficulties in life. The testimonies she receives from customers reveal that many people around the world feel the same way. Here is an excerpt from an email she received from a customer who ordered Q & A #1.   Hi Kelly! We’re so excited that you’re painting this for us!   I was so happy to come across your paintings. This catechism question is such an incredible reminder of the hope and comfort we have in Christ. My wife and I have had a rough year. We have experienced three miscarriages in a little over a year. But God has been so incredibly gracious and loving to us – flooding our hearts with joy and admiration in the midst of our suffering. So we wanted to hang this painting in our home as a reminder of the great hope and comfort that our Father has given us through Jesus. I just wanted you to know that your painting will hold very special meaning to us!   Where do people turn when they are hurting? Many turn to the Heidelberg Catechism, and, ultimately, to God. Finding words can be difficult when you’re hurting, but Q & A #1 gives thoughtful comfort. To whom do I belong? Jesus Christ, the son. Who watches over me so that not even a hair can fall from my head without Him knowing? God, the Father. Who guides my heart to navigate the future? The Holy Spirit. I’m thankful we have a God who walks with us through difficult times and also for those who have put His truths into words. by Josh Rozema