Sacred Whispers Blog

“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.”

Thessalonians 4:13 (NKJV)

My dad had a “good death.” Wait—what? Let me explain.

In 2019, my dad was diagnosed with cancer. He underwent major surgery and chemotherapy, and by early 2020, we were told he was clear. But only a week later, we received the news: his numbers had gone up, indicating metastasis. Surgery was no longer an option. He tried another round of chemotherapy, but it didn’t work. When we asked what God was saying to him, his answer was simple yet profound: “He said He is with me.”

After an unsuccessful procedure that brought no relief, my dad made the decision—with our full support—to stop treatment. We brought him home, moved his bed to the first floor, and made the space as comfortable as possible. Friends and family came to visit. His best friend shared her favorite Scripture with him, and he responded by offering her a fresh interpretation of it. Even the hospice nurse, touched by his faith, listened as he shared Bible wisdom with her.

The night before he passed, my sisters found him on his knees praying, though he no longer recognized us. He knew to pray. When his breathing changed, I sat by his side, reading Psalms aloud as hymns played softly in the background. Family surrounded him, hands resting on him in love and prayer. As I continued reading, he stopped breathing.

He passed away exactly as he had wanted to: at home, surrounded by those he loved. Though we grieved, we were comforted by the assurance of where he was and ‘Whom’ he was with.

THE ASSURANCE OF HOPE

God’s hope is not wishful thinking. It’s not a gamble or a fleeting desire. God’s hope is a confident expectation, an assurance that we can trust completely.

I miss my dad every day. There are moments when I want to share something with him or ask for his advice. When those waves of grief come, I take a deep breath and remember today’s scripture. Death was not the end for my dad, and it is not the end for your loved one who died in Christ.

Scripture urges us to use this hope as a source of comfort. Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 4:13 that we do not grieve as those who have no hope. Our ultimate reality is eternity with God and the reunion with those we love. My present reality is that I miss my dad, but my hopeful expectation is bright.

Hebrews 11:1 tells us that faith is the substance of things hoped for. Hope, then, is the forward-looking element of our faith. The Greek word for hope, elpizo, means confident expectation. While there are few things in this world we can truly count on, with God, hope is - guaranteed.

THE SOURCE OF HOPE

Hope originates with God. Psalm 12:5 and Romans 15:13 affirm that He alone has the power to give hope. Through His Word, we see His promises and are reminded that Christ’s sacrifice secured those promises for us (Romans 15:4).

This hope is not something we earn—it’s a gift. Ephesians 2:12 explains that because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are no longer separated from God. We can rest in His grace (2 Thessalonians 2:16), and by living a Spirit-filled life, we find hope overflowing within us (Romans 15:13).

THE POWER OF HOPE

Hope changes everything. It gives us joy and peace even in the midst of grief. It strengthens us to face each day without our loved ones and equips us with the endurance to carry on.

This hope also empowers us to minister to others. Like Paul, we can comfort those in sorrow with the comfort we’ve received. As a doctor, I now relate to patients and grieving families on a much deeper level. Hope has given me the strength to continue this ministry.

Lastly, hope guards us against despair. In the face of death, hope shields our hearts, reminding us that this life is not all there is. Charles Spurgeon once said, “Hope itself is like a star—not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, but only to be discovered in the night of adversity.”

Hope doesn’t erase grief, but it transforms it. It points us toward a future where all things are made new, where tears are wiped away, and where we will forever be in the presence of God.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of hope that sustains us in our grief. Thank You for the assurance that death is not the end, and that we will be reunited with our loved ones in Christ. Fill our hearts with joy and peace as we trust in Your promises. May this hope strengthen us to face each day and encourage others along the way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE

Reflect on your journey with hope. Write down moments when God’s promises have sustained you. Consider the people or events that have deepened your confidence in Him.

If you are grieving, take time this week to write a letter to God. Share your feelings honestly, then thank Him for the hope of eternity. Meditate on 1 Thessalonians 4:13–19 and let its truth settle in your heart: death is not the end.