Hope Through A Glass, Darkly

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TRUE HOPE

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (1 Corinthians 13:12)

"The prognosis is not good." No mother wants to hear a doctor say these words. My son's heart was only functioning at 10% capacity, his life hanging by a thread…. So begins the Introduction to my book, Through A Glass, Darkly: Daily Hope in Light of Eternity.  

How do we find hope when our world seems to crash in on us? Is there such a thing as true hope?

Yes, true hope does exist and is rooted in eternity. God is real. The scriptures show us that Jesus is the only source of real hope. He is the One I cling to when hope seems lost. I am convinced that hope based on anyone or anything else is false and will not hold up when the pressure comes. 

This hope is not a fairytale. It was part of God’s plan before the beginning of time, and nothing can ever thwart His purposes. It is a promise secured by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and guaranteed by the Holy Spirit. The future of all who trust in Christ is settled. 

In him we have also received an inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will, so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory. In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. (Ephesians 1:11-13)

DAILY HOPE

This hope is not just for the future. Because our hope is rooted in eternity, it is true, and we can hold on to it even now in all of life's circumstances. 

When I was hurting with fresh grief, I realized that underneath the sorrow, pain, and jumble of emotions, I still had hope—not wishful thinking but a sure and steadfast hope—a life-giving anchor for my soul.  

There is a present reality we cannot see with our eyes, but by faith and through what the scriptures tell us, we know it is there. God is on the throne; Jesus is interceding for us; and the Holy Spirit is working within us.

On this side of heaven, we see as if through a glass, darkly, even as we look forward to a glorious eternity with Christ. At that time, instead of a mirror image, we will see clearly. For now, we have a foretaste, a glimpse of that glory when we see Christ working in and through our lives. 

We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

THE REALITY OF HOPE

In Through A Glass, Darkly: Daily Hope in Light of Eternity, I share stories, photos, poems, and prayers—all born of life experiences that began in my childhood.  Through them, I demonstrate the reality of hope in my life, even in tragedy. There are also some essays by my son. The last section of the book includes creative ways to nurture and express hope, as well as a scripture meditation exercise

If you are struggling to find hope in your current circumstances or know someone who would be encouraged by these real-life stories of hope, I invite you to take a look at my book on Amazon. My desire is that all who read will be pointed to the source of hope. I'll leave you with these words from my son:

"The God of the bible is not distant and cold. He is a God who weeps for His children...Are you in pain or tears? God is there with you, hurting and weeping at your side..."
Stephen J. Wright (1990-2019)


Through A Glass, Darkly: Daily Hope in Light of Eternity

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