Hope Rises in the Night
Faith’s Answer to Overcoming Grief
Caleb, Josh and Jordan Ward, of Consumed by Fire talked with Family Life Radio about navigating through the winding paths of grief and restoration and found themselves – where many of us do when facing the loss of a loved one – at a crossroads where sorrow meets hope and pain intertwines with faith. It’s a journey that feels deeply personal, yet universally shared among those who know Christ.
“We don’t grieve the same way that the world does, because our hope as believers, having what we do with Jesus, promises that we do see each other again,” Caleb shares. “Although the tears are there for me, I cried tears because again, the memories and knowing I’m not going to see you, until I see you again.” He acknowledges the pain and the tears in his father’s death in 2022, but also holds onto the promise of reunion that faith in Jesus brings. It’s about missing someone dearly yet knowing with certainty that this goodbye is not the end.
Caleb recalls their father’s comforting words: “Daddy would always say it, because he knew it was the last few weeks. He knew he was getting ready to go home. He actually said, ‘I’m getting ready to go home with the Lord. I love you. Don’t change a thing about the message. It’s not goodbye. I’ll see you again. I’m just changing addresses right now.’”
The Christian hope in eternal life doesn’t negate the reality of grief but also embraces the promise of something greater, something eternal.
God’s Constant Goodness
“I think it’s important to remember when you lose somebody,” Caleb continues, “that’s when all the whys and the questions appear right on the forefront. Why God?” And that’s when it’s most important to confront our understanding of God’s role. Caleb reminds us, “God’s a good God. The devil is a bad devil, and they never swap jobs.” God’s goodness remains constant, even when our circumstances suggest otherwise.
When you lose someone, it’s natural to question why. Yet, Jordan points out, “Every good and perfect gift comes from above” helps realign our understanding of God’s nature (James 1:17 paraphrased). God doesn’t bring about our suffering. He is the same “yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
Tools for the Journey: Faith, Scripture, and Armor
Especially in grief, Caleb and Jordan highlight the importance of leaning on our faith and the Word of God. They remind us that Scripture provides both comfort and a roadmap through our darkest moments. John 10:10 reassures us, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (ESV). This verse draws a clear line between the source of our suffering and the source of life and restoration – Jesus Christ.
Jordan says, “Jesus defined evil. I believe the thief does the stealing, killing and destroying. Right? Jesus came – Paul would say in Galatians – to redeem us from the curse of the law, which is anything you could really. If you look at Deuteronomy 28, all of the curse of the law is horrible stuff (See Galatians 3:10-14).”
Arming ourselves with faith and the Word of God is a practical, daily decision to shield ourselves with truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God (See Ephesians 6:10-17). This armor is for defense against external forces and the internal battles of doubt, despair, and disillusionment.
Caleb’s and Jordan’s advice to “stay sober-minded, stay vigilant, stay on guard” resonates deeply. It’s an encouragement to actively engage with our faith, as a living, breathing aspect of our daily lives that shapes how we encounter and overcome grief.
View your trials through the lens of God’s eternal promises.
As you walk through your own seasons of loss and healing, remember you have a hope that transcends your earthly grief. Let His eternal hope guide you, comfort you, and remind you that even in your darkest moments, you are not alone. The promise of eternal life, the goodness of God, and the tools He provides for your journey are constants that can carry you through the storm.
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