In this year, I have experienced the loss of some
very special people in my life…ALL way to young to die…each in a different
place of faith.
Death is inevitable…and dying young seems so unfair.
Whether we choose to believe in God or not…life is and will be difficult. No one is exempt from hardships that will
come our way.
It is not always easy to embrace or understand that
God allows us to be in trial, so that we would learn to depend less on
ourselves and more upon Him…We were designed this way. Man has always been a seeker…of
truth…understanding…wisdom…love. Our
flaw is that we chronically look
elsewhere first…before looking to our maker.
And that is human nature, as purposefully designed.
Many of us know, we did not know the depth of love
from God…until we had hit the rock bottom…no where to go…except to look up. And this is why He allows the tough times…our
eyes…and witnesses to our struggle…begin to look up…and “seeking” becomes
“seeing” to what God is doing…has done…and is faithful to do, as we begin to
trust IN Him.
Character is developed, hearts begin to change, and the “net”
effect may open the door to new found faith in God as we “see” His graciousness.
This IS part of the grand plan…as the world
spins…and life seems so unfair…more are drawn to the knowledge and love of the
Lord. With each disappointment, the Lord
continues to shed His mercy and His grace…and the kingdom of God grows.
God IS working ALWAYS…and in All things…
The bible tells us this in Romans 8:28
“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.”
This verse has allowed me to let go of the bondage of
fear…and receive peace that I am loved, watched over, and protected…no matter the
trial. It does not ease the pain of
loss, but it does help me make sense of senseless times.
The good news is that death is NOT the end…and if you
choose to believe, Jesus tells us that there is an eternal place that He has
prepared for you to thrive!
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. As you believe in God believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not
so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will
come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:1-4
Life will continue to not make sense as we do NOT
live in Heaven yet. Times will be
unstable, unpredictable, and our hearts will be drawn to seek understanding…Jesus
knows that we are “in the battle” here on earth and tells us NOT to be afraid…
“All this I
have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father
will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of
everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do
not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do
not be afraid. John 14:25-27
God gave us this amazing gift in Jesus, so that we
may not only have an eternal life free from pain, sadness, and death…but a life
FULL today upon this earth. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that
they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
Once we know this truth, life begins to make a
little more sense, and our trials become blessings that multiply personally,
and radiate to others who do not yet know.
May we praise our loving God in these times that we
are not forgotten. May our eyes be
opened to “seeing” how the Lord loves us.
And may we receive His eternal love…hearts changed, new found faith in God revitalized…and more will choose to believe and follow
God as we “see” His graciousness in these times.
Father, today I pray that more will accept the free
gift of salvation and life abundant TODAY…in seeking Jesus….and to receive your
Amazing Grace and Peace you offer us in our days here upon this earth…Amen
