More Than Grief

Nº 238

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - February 21, 2023

The best moment of a Christian’s life is his last one, because it is the one that is nearest heaven. And then it is that he begins to strike the keynote of the song which he shall sing to all eternity. - C.H. Spurgeon

When I recently learned that a good friend had died, I immediately encountered two powerful emotions. First, I grimaced with deep sadness. I would miss his encouraging emails and phone calls. I would miss his humorous and poignant insights into life and the current state of the Church. And I would miss his spiritual support and prayer on my behalf.

Second, I smiled with great joy. His long battle with cancer was over. He was reunited with his wife of more than 50 years who preceded him in death. And he was hearing the words of Jesus, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

The words of the Apostle Paul came to mind, “We do not want you to . . . grieve as those who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again.” (I Thessalonians 3:13-14a)

Our hope for eternity without pain, reunions with loved ones, and meeting Jesus does not diminish the pain of our loss. We grieve. But we have more than grief – we have hope. Our hope is firmly anchored not to good deeds, status, power, or wealth, but to our relationship with God through His Son. We believe that Jesus died and rose again.

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc.

---

Exciting Update!

Isola Centro Evangelico (a ministry in Italy) translated my book Blueprints into Italian - under the name Campeggi 3.0. I was honored to speak to about 80 Christian camping leaders who attended their One Vision conference last week.