At least from a human perspective, today has turned into a day of tragedy. I know our loved one is now in your arms, but it is still hard to bear. I know too that You grieve with us, Father, help our faith in You to stand firm. Amen.
John 16:33 (<<click here to read the passage)
We have looked at the peace that we find in Jesus, but we need to take a closer look at the end of that last verse.
Our family lost a wonderful man today. He fought valiantly against the ravages of COVID but despite his determined battling, he succumbed to the many-fronted attacks on his body. He was a dedicated husband and father, as well, as a devout follower of Yours in all he said and did. But now Lord, as he is in Your presence, his family is in Your more than capable hands.
He battled but so did his family. They all went through tribulation…and distress…and suffering. They have gone through it all but in many aspects, their journey has just begun. His passing will continue to impact his wife and three boys for the rest of their lives.
It would be easy for them to succumb to the many-fronted attacks on their lives…but I don’t see any of them doing that. Lord Jesus, their faith is placed firmly in You. It will be difficult, and I am sure overwhelming to the point of despair. But as You have commanded us in this passage, despite it all we are called to be courageous.
That is not a trite statement! Because of Your victory, we can be confident! We can be undaunted! And yes, though the loss will never pass this side of eternity, we can find joy in You!
The world is all about taking swings at us. Time and time again we are struck. We are stunned. We are knocked down. We are knocked out. But because we place our faith in You, we are overcomers…because You were one first!
You proclaimed, “I have overcome the world” and we lay claim to that for ourselves as well!
Lord Jesus, this all sounds well and good, but when the rubber meets the road – when we come face to face with the hardest of tribulations – we will surely be tested. May we stand strong. May we be overcomers as we find our strength in You. May we cling to You, for only there do we find our hope! Amen.
Oct 13th, 2021, Wed, 7:59 pm
