Gladness for Mourning: Hope in the Midst of LossSample

DAY 2: Hope in Lost Lives

Over Thanksgiving weekend, José started to cough. A healthy 28-year-old, he thought it was just a minor cold. By Christmas, he was admitted to the hospital with severe respiratory distress from COVID-19.

Over the next few months, José’s wife and family pleaded with the Lord for his life. The drama of his symptomatic ups and downs was exhausting to follow, let alone live through daily. When his lungs failed, his wife, Annie, had to come to a terrible decision: Keep fighting or let him go. She kept fighting, desperate to save her best friend and the father of their little girl.

In mid-January she realized that God was saying it was time to let go. A few days later, after an online prayer vigil, José slipped quietly into eternity. 

Hundreds of people began to share their remembrances of a godly man who impacted their lives. They spoke of José’s love of life, fast cars, sense of humor and, in all of it, his deep love for Jesus. They expressed their loss and poured out their support for Annie.

What was Annie’s response to losing José?

Tears. Deep grief. And a trip to the hospital with goodies for the staff.

Yes, Annie will be dealing with her loss for years to come. And she’ll be raising their sweet baby girl without José. But she’s committed to sharing the faith and hope that he is alive with Jesus. King David was confident he would see the baby boy he lost one day: “But why should I fast when he is dead? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him one day, but he cannot return to me” (2 Sam. 12:23, NLT).

If you know Christ, death is not the end. It’s not defeat. Jesus conquered death and the grave with His resurrection (2 Tim. 1:10) and, because that victory extends to all believers, you can count on a reunion with your brothers and sisters in God’s eternal house (2 Cor. 5:1). 

Like Annie—sharing the hope of Heaven and a great reunion with her husband even in her most difficult moments—you can share the hope of eternal life with the people in your life.  

Points to ponder:

• What are some traits from a lost loved one’s life that gave you joy? How can you now adopt and share those traits with others?
• How is God calling you to turn your loss into hope for another person?