Grieving With Hope

How do you go on after experiencing the unexpected death of a friend and loved one? The Illinois Wesleyan University football team was faced with this difficult task after the death of 21-year-old offensive lineman and co-captain, Doug Schmied. Schmied passed away on August 24, 2005, after suffering complications from heatstroke.

“This is a devastating loss for everyone who knew Doug,” said Illinois Wesleyan head football coach Norm Eash. The Christians in Thessalonica were eagerly anticipating the return of the Lord Jesus. However, when fellow believers died and Christ had not returned yet, they began to fear that those believers would miss His return. In 1 Thessalonians, Paul assures them and us that we will one day be united with our brothers and sisters in Christ when He returns. He doesn’t tell us not to grieve when a brother or sister in Christ passes on; he just encourages us to grieve with hope, knowing we will see them again.

The greatest decision that you or I will ever make (or not make) is to receive Jesus Christ into our lives. We may make many important decisions over our lifetime, but no other decision will have the same ramifications. This choice will either make or break your eternity.