Mike’s Hope

Ready:

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
-Romans 12:1-2 (NLT)

Set:

A few days ago I went to the funeral of a huge sports fan whose love for life was evident to all. His name was Mike. His father had worked for FCA for several years and was responsible for getting FCA started in the SEC schools in the 60s and 70s. Mike’s life was full of joy, but it ended tragically with a sudden heart attack. He left this life way too early in my opinion, but his legacy will live on. His life was based on hope in Christ.

At the funeral, the pastor shared four things he thought Mike would say to everyone sitting in the crowd:

Do not be sad for his passing, but believe in God like he had. (John 14:1-4)
Live life for God, not yourself. (1Thessalonians 4:1-2)
Purify your life and get rid of toxic things. (1 John 3:1-3)
Whatever happens, live a steadfast life for the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

I only got to meet Mike once, but at the funeral, I clearly saw how he touched the lives of so many. Any time I go to a funeral, it forces me to think about my life. I think that happens for all of us. We get so caught up in our day-to-day lives—our struggles, our needs, our problems—that we miss out on the hope of Christ and on truly living for Him. So, maybe your jump-shot isn’t falling as often as you’d like. Maybe your short game is constantly coming up short. Maybe your swing isn’t getting the ball over the fence. As important as these things may seem, they fall so short in terms of our life in Christ. Mike lived a full life, and he had joy throughout his journey—a journey that I am sure led him to Heaven.

As the funeral came to an end, we all sang the song, “It Is Well with My Soul.” The question I want to ask you today is, “Are things well with your soul?” Are you more caught up in the temporary struggles of the day or in the eternal things ahead? Mike spent the last night of his life doing the thing he loved most: leading his worship band in practice. Today he is making beautiful music in Heaven.

I pray that today, especially in light of Easter and Christ’s resurrection, you will take the time to think about your life in Him. Make essential changes, get rid of the toxic things that weigh you down and become steadfast and immovable in living for Him.

Workout:

1. What was the last event that forced you to think about your life?
2. What has hindered your ability to remain steadfast in Christ?
3. What changes do you need to make in your life in order to assure that your soul is truly well in Christ?

Mike’s Hope

Bible Chapter: Corinthians 15 [6], John 14 [7], John 3 [8], Romans 12 [9], Thessalonians 4 [10]

Keywords: Faithfulness [11], funeral [12], life [13], living for Christ [14]

Ministry: Campus [15], Community [16]