Losing loved ones. Eventually it happens. We may lose a parent, a sibling, a good friend or maybe our own child. I don't think this is something we can ever fully prepare for. When it does happen, yes, it will hurt. There is no other pain like it. Learning to live without someone close to us, does not come naturally.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 - But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
This is a common verse that believers often use to comfort others. It is true, we do not have to grieve as though we will never see each other again. A time will come when we will be reunited. Knowing this has been very comforting to me. However, that does not change the fact that in the mean time we will miss them. It does not mean I won't be devastated. It will still hurt. I won't always understand why.
Getting through the grief of death isn't automatic. We won't all handle it the same way. Again, we need to be patient with others as they go through this sort of pain. Love and compassion is always the best thing we can give anyone.
I appreciate those who are honest about how they are doing.
Concerning my views on my own loss today, is much different than it was at one time. There was a time I didn't see any reason why I had to go through losing two of my sons. The verse in Romans that talks about all things working out for good didn't have room in my situation, I thought.
My perspective has completely changed. I think it is because I see a deeper meaning to Matthew 6:33. 'But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.' Our goal needs to be to seek the Kingdom of God. Life here is short for all of us , compared to eternity. Those who have moved on in Christ have finished the race and reached their goal.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 has become real to me. Not only that, but my experiences are an opportunity to advance the kingdom of God. Doors have opened to help others that could only open with experience. I did not know I could write until after I loss my first born son. God was reshaping my own heart while I had a broken heart. He had a purpose for my life that He wanted me to discover. Discovering His purpose bit by bit has brought me incredible joy!
I now completely trust that it all worked out for my good.
As for what the future may hold and the goodbyes I may yet have to face, God will have to carry me through the parts of the journey where I am not able to walk. He will have to strengthen me one step at a time. All I know is I want to keep walking this journey with HIM.
We live in a broken, fallen world. We can not get away from death but God isn't out to hurt us. He will however help us through it if we let him.
Lord, never allow any pain to build a wall between you and me. Let it instead, take me to a deeper level with YOU! May anyone who is reading this and hurting right now, find comfort, joy and purpose in You, Lord. Amen.
Psalms 34:18 - The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Revelation 21:4 - And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
John 16:22 - And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
