The Hope of Resurrection
Heart Happy
Audio By Carbonatix
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…” – Revelation 21:4
Grief can feel final. The silence of an empty room. The absence of laughter at the dinner table. The longing to hear a familiar voice just once more. It can feel like death has had the last word.
But as followers of Jesus, we know this is not the end of the story.
Grief Meets Hope
When I think of my grandma, I ache for her presence here. I miss her voice, her prayers, her smile. But then I remember—she is not lost. She is more alive than ever, standing in the presence of Jesus.
The resurrection isn’t just a doctrine we believe—it’s a hope we cling to. It’s the promise that death is defeated, that love never ends, and that one day, every goodbye will become hello again.
A Foretaste of Eternity
I once experienced this truth in a powerful way with my grandpa. In my book Walk It Out, I shared the story of how, near the end of his life, Papa began seeing glimpses of heaven. He described radiant scenes and even told us he saw Jesus waiting for him. It wasn’t frightening for him. It was glorious. Those moments gave our family a holy hush, a sacred awareness that the veil between heaven and earth is thinner than we often realize.
I’m reminded of a time just before my Grandma’s passing. She told us to come and eat. A table was spread out before her. I have no doubt that was Jesus’ banqueting table. (Grandma always loved food!)
These experiences have planted something deep in me: the confidence that heaven is real, Jesus is faithful, and our loved ones who die in Christ are not gone forever.
When I remember Grandma worshipping in that small church during my growing-up years—hands lifted, face radiant—I realize she, too, was preparing her whole life for the day she would see Jesus face to face. And now, she’s there.
Her body may have failed her, but her spirit is strong, free, and full of joy.
That’s the hope of resurrection: the assurance that our loved ones who trusted Christ are not gone forever. They are waiting for us in the place where there is no more pain, no more tears, no more sorrow.
Living with Resurrection Hope
This hope changes how I grieve.
- I still cry—but I cry with hope.
- I still ache—but I ache knowing this is temporary.
- I still miss her—but I miss her with the certainty that reunion is coming.
Every day that passes isn’t just a day farther from the last time I saw her—it’s a day closer to the next time I will.
For the Grieving Heart
Friend, if you are weighed down by grief today, cling to this truth: death is not the end. The same Jesus who rose from the grave promises life everlasting to all who believe in Him.
Because He lives, your loved one lives too. And because He lives, you will see them again.
Reflection Questions
- How does the promise of resurrection shape the way you view your grief?
- What does it mean to you personally that death does not have the final word?
- How can you remind yourself daily of the hope of eternity?
A Prayer for Today
Lord, thank You for the hope of resurrection. Thank You that death does not have the final say, because Jesus conquered the grave. Comfort my aching heart with the promise that my loved one is alive in Your presence. Fill me with courage to live each day in light of eternity. Help me to cling to Your promises until the day when every tear is wiped away. Amen.
Hope That Endures
Grief reminds us of the depth of our love, but resurrection reminds us of the depth of God’s promise. One day, we will stand together before Jesus—whole, healed, and home.
Until then, we live with both ache and anticipation, trusting the One who holds eternity in His hands.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…” – Revelation 21:4
Additional Resources
Journal Through the Bible in 2025
Have you ever wanted to read through the Bible but found yourself giving up? Or even worse, you read the chapters and at the end question how they apply to your life. Tricia Goyer understands. For years she felt frustrated that she couldn’t stick to her commitment to read God’s Word all the way through. Things changed when she found a doable plan and wrote out a daily prayer. Tricia’s heart changed. Her life did, too.
God can bring real transformation into your heart and life when you daily commit to reading your Bible and praying through God’s Word. Praying through the Bible in One Year offers a guided reading plan and a daily prayer starter to help you make God’s Word applicable to your life. Discover the inspiration for real-life transformation.
Purchase a copy of Praying Through the Bible in One Year HERE.
