The change of seasons in Alaska is not always that well defined. We definitely know winter, but spring and summer blur together and seem to go by way too quickly. Cold, clouds and rain can keep spirits low, but when the grass and trees burst with green color and the sun’s rays and warmth appear, hope is here or at least — near. Wouldn’t it be great if we could experience the same resolve as we look at life?
No doubt, life has its difficulties. Maybe you have been or are currently facing mental health issues, job insecurity, relationship woes, trauma, abuse, suffering or a financial hardship. It is natural sometimes to feel like there is too much to bear and things would be easier if you could just check out or be gone.
God declares there is hope, even in the darkest times of life: “‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:4). John, a disciple of Jesus, repeated these words from the prophet Isaiah as he was in jail on the island of Patmos for preaching the Good News of Jesus. God inspired him to write down a vision in the Bible of what the early church needed to hear and the promise of what they were experiencing was temporary. We can rest assured with whatever we are facing now that it is only temporary and a better time is coming. At some point, all these things will be gone forever. There will be no more death, no more sorrow, no more crying and no more pain for the former things will pass away. God is love and His promise is to be active in working with us in our hurts and pains. Even death is not a roadblock for God as He conquered death and its effects on the cross as Jesus, who was fully God and man, rose from the grave. Jesus’ action has allowed God’s creation to be in relationship with him and it begins by humbly trusting in him.
Trusting God in our situations does not mean they simply will go away, but He also promises us in Deuteronomy 31:8: “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Even in the darkest times, God promises to walk with and support us through it all. Isn’t it great to know the God of creation is with us?
Has hope in your life grown dim? Are your circumstances bigger than your solutions? Consider God’s promises about the hope you can have in life with what you are facing and remember the hope we can have for eternity. What a wonderful new season that will be!
Frank Alioto is the pastor at Roots Family Church in Soldotna (907-252-0036) and serves as a Chaplain in our community.
