A Beacon of Hope

How would you answer this question: "What does a beacon of hope look like?" And how would you describe it to someone who is grieving?

Isaiah 40:29, 31 NIV

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength."

Looking at your life in this moment, how do you find glimmers of hope when you are facing devastating loss in your life? Is it through the encouragement of your family and friends? Reading Scripture? Or how about singing hymns or Christian music? Does witnessing a friend overcoming a difficult trial give you hope? What is the one thing you cling to whenever you face adversities? Take a moment to ask yourself these questions and make note of your answers, they may surprise you! I hope you will share your answers with me because I would love to learn where your hope comes from and how you persevere.

Matthew 5:14 NIV

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.”

To me, a beacon of hope is just like a beacon of light that shines from within even in your darkest moments. As a bereaved parent myself I find hope in the fact that I will be reunited with my son in heaven.

I have a friend that has endured a lot of heartaches in her life and yet every time I see her, she always greets me with a smile despite the challenges she is currently facing. She is a beacon of light and hope that shows me no matter what is going on in my life I can still greet the world with a smile because I know that God will not forsake me, He is always with us!

Overcoming our trials can become a beacon of hope for others as it shows them that they too can overcome their grief and hardships. God says "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

Read that last line again... "he will never leave you nor forsake you." Friends some people have endured the unimaginable, for some this means their child(ren) have died. But the good news is we can offer them hope as we show them how to work through their pain and use it to help other grieving parents.

What hardship are you currently facing? Allow your pain to become a beacon of light and hope for others who are experiencing the same trial. Allow your suffering to produce a resilient spirit within you so that God can produce hope in those who witness your journey.

Romans 5:3-5 NIV

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

It's important to remember to be gentle with yourself during any trial you face whether it's the loss of a family member or something else.

Allow God to minister to your heart and watch how He brings healing into your life.

Just remember, healing doesn't happen overnight, but if you are patient, you will eventually see God strengthening you as the hope emerges in your daily walk with Him. Ask God to continuously strengthen you each and every day and watch His goodness unfold in your life. Romans 8:28 says "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

John 8:12 NIV

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

I love this quote "Look to the lighthouse of the Lord..." because God can rescue us from every storm we face!

A beacon of light is viewed as a light set on a hill or in a high position as a warning, signal, or as a guide at sea or on an airfield, but for me it also refers to the inner light within us. Even in the midst of our pain, God's internal light can still shine through us. I hope you are encouraged as you listen to this song "Living Hope". Phil Wickham - Living Hope (Official Lyric Video) - YouTube

Psalm 9:10 NIV

"Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you."

Friends, I hope you will allow God's guiding light to shine through you so that your courage and perseverance can become a beacon of hope for others!

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime