Today a family is grieving their 6 month old baby who died from complications from the flu. Another family is grieving the death of their 5 year old daughter who died in a fire that destroyed their home and injured the mom, dad, and other sibling. Just got word that a plane went down in New Mexico and family members are still uncertain of the condition of their loved one.
Why?
We live in a fallen world. A fallen world controlled by the evil one.
I woke up this morning after a night full of troubling dreams - not scary or anything, just dreams where I was not prepared for the things I was supposed to be doing. Kind of like my life. So when my eyes opened this morning early, I was already feeling overwhelmed.
Because of stuff. Non-important stuff.
There are so many things more important than things in our own little worlds. We fret and fume over things that are so trivial. Nothing like trying to decide what to do with the gifts we already bought for our babies who are now celebrating in heaven. Or whether or not to hang their stockings?
Oh my heart.
I can't even try to imagine the ache of these families.
All I know is this: He is faithful to carry us through the things this fallen world throws our way. Faithful to hold when we need to be held.
And knowing that is what keeps me going. That, and knowing that He cares enough to send an encouraging word from a complete stranger just at the exact time it is needed. Even if it was needed because of non-important stuff.
Oh, He's that good.
He's the One who redeems all the ugly stuff. I pray our eyes are open to see it.
To see Him. To feel Him. To trust Him.
Oh Father, only You can take pain away that cuts so deep. Only You can comfort and calm the pain away. Be strong for them today. For those who are grieving loss so great. Please be strong.
7 thoughts:
A loss is terrible, but at this time of joy, it just seems to make it worse. But it is a comfort to know that His grace is sufficient.
I keep thinking of what Psalty the Songbook sang "I will cast all my cares upon you. I lay all of my burdens down at your feet and anytime I don't know what to do, I will cast all my cares upon you." Psalty stole it from King David said it in the Psalms and Peter said it again in the New Testament.
Oh Grace, that just made me smile. I can hear and see Psalty singing that sweet song. I LOVE that. You have always been such an encourager!
Thank you for this special message. This past month has been one of the most difficult in my life. I kept calling out to God, but it was only when I shared with Rodney and he prayed over me I understood what I had to do. You are an amazing writer and Christian and I praise God to be blessed to call you my friend.
One of the hardest parts about being in pastoral ministry is being on the frontline of seeing people's pain, especially in the middle of a holiday season. I have to continually remember not to carry the weight of their sorrow while at the same time remaining soft to it.
I am praying that you will have strength to minister this season, friend.
God is so good, he is full of love and compassion. There is nothing hidden from him, he see's all our tears, fears, pain and joy.
I lost an unborn baby in May, he comforted me. He gave me strength and showed me such love. i have 3 beautiful sons and they shower me with love. I am greatful for all the blessings He has put into my life.
nice idea, thanks for sharing...
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