Hope and despair are the two sides of life. It goes hand in hand. Sometimes, it appears that the latter out-shadowed the other.
During the last days of my father, I was in great despair. My father must have been in despair too. However, he did not let us know much about it.
Father has a living hope and he cares for us. Perhaps, it was because I was just out of my brain surgery and struggling with a chronic health condition.
Both my financial and health condition did not allow me to travel back and forth. Mountains and plains kept us apart. So, I was not with him in his very last moment.
But I believe it was for good, everything happens for a reason. But then, hearing the news of my father’s passing brought me to the thought of the Kingdom coming.
The Road of Despair:
For the disciples of Jesus, hearing the very word of their Leader and Teacher saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” and his real death on the Calvary’s cross must have them thrown into despair. Matt. 26:26
For they followed him leaving their everything. And must have seen what he did and his authority over everything. He is indeed the Lord – Sovereign and Almighty. He healed the lame, sick, blind and even brought the dead back to life with his word.
It was unbelievable that he didn’t escape death right there and then. He had the power and authority that they knew. Yet he did not evade nor give in. He humbled himself to the point of being shamed and forsaken by God. He is on a mission to give a new lease of life to the dead.
They were shattered, lost, and confused not that they did not know it was bound to happen. I often imagine myself to be with them. How helpless I would have been!
In Despair:
If I were there, I must have said, ‘No, this can’t be! Just as I told myself when I was diagnosed with my condition. Also, when I heard about my late father’s health concerns.
My father was the strongest for me. He would somehow bail me out when I’m in trouble.
Still, human life and death were too much to bear. The Lord whispers this can be, not this can’t be. But he is with me.
Their teacher and leader, Jesus, with whom they put their trust to the extent of risking their life was no longer with them physically.
The Road to Emmaus:
It wasn’t less confusing for them either. I wanted to dial my father’s number but his voice went with him. And that’s us humans.
In that silent period, I too walked the road of despair. Life doesn’t end there; it just stands still and the future is uncertain. I’ve learned lessons, but I’m trying my best to put them into practice.
As much as we desire Jesus is there with us – in any form although we may not recognize it at that very moment and time.
New hope – new life:
Then, the resurrected Christ was in their midst.
He is in the flesh again eating with them. John 21:1-19
This gives me hope although I will not see my father in the flesh anymore. The comfort of the Holy Spirit was with me in times of need.
The resurrection of Christ gave us the hope of a new and better life forward. It might be too little to say I bet my life on it.
The very day you kneeled before God for my children, I did not get good news. Sometimes, it’s the opposite. The evil one must also be working hard. It does leave me in despair at times, yet I do have hope the Holy Spirit will be working on them.
Lessening Despair:
At times, I struggle with my health, my faith, and all my obligations that I’m unable to fulfill. I often felt I talked too much about my health conditions, however it brought me closer to him.
Then, I also know that God knows my sincere desire and he will work out what’s best for me if I do not give.
I should hold on to him close and never let go. No, I can only try it He who will never let me go.
Magnifying our hope in the Living God is lessening despair in our journey of life. It’s open to all. You and I can give it a try just try to improve day by day.
