As many of you know I have people in my life I pray for daily. I pray that God will change hearts, heal relationships and rebuild. I have a very close friend who lost her dad...I'm angry that he would loose this life as a loving husband and father one that was so involved in his families life, He made a great impact in his community. We all have faults but I know they are all celebrating his life this week and mourning his loss. We all know he's dancing and praising Jesus...oh to be in his presence. Can you imagine? We also have friends who lost one of their children last week...oh be still my heart...cannot imagine. I'm praying without ceasing for both of these friends because I just cannot fathom. I have two healthy strong willed boys who are currently fighting and whining...but my friends only got two months with their daughter, and so many others have trouble conceiving, or loose babies earlier than that, so often we take for granted the daily life we have.
Last night as we were getting ready for bed my heart just broke for these two friends and their families and I was so angry how can God take these and leave those in my life who don't seem to care, who don't want to change? how can taking a grandfather and dad away from a family whom he was an active part in...and leave those who choose to disown because of choices made. those who are stuck? Last night as I slept/rested because I don't feel as though I "slept" much God said to me...its because I'm not finished yet, I don't know God's plan (clearly) I don't understand why for some 2 months is just long enough, while others get to live 100's. I stand with my sweet friends in faith, praying for their grief, their hearts, that the peace that surpasses understanding will fall upon them. That our God of comfort wraps his ever loving arms around them, when we cant be there.
God's not through...that couldn't bring me more peace however my heart still breaks for my friends. Know that although we aren't with you we stand with you in your grief and hurt, that your in our thoughts and prayers, always!
I know there is hope in death because of our faith and hope in Jesus. Last night during our Seder dinner we were reminded that its because of the perfect sacrifice of Jesus that we have new life. Lets celebrate Life this week, the life of Jesus, his work here on earth that ended in a brutal death on the cross for us. Then on Easter morning lets celebrate, the hope we have because Jesus could not be stopped by death. HE is the reason we have hope and life in the loss and pain that is death.
Please join with me in praying for all of those that have lost someone near and dear to them. You may be hurting because of a loss in your own family, or someone close to you. Lets stand in the gaps and lift one another up. Blessings and love to you all!
The Disciples’ Grief Will Turn to Joy
16 Jesus went on to say, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.”17 At this, some of his disciples said to one another, “What does he mean by saying, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” 18 They kept asking, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand what he is saying.”
19 Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me’? 20 Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21 A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. 22 So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. 23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
25 “Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. 27 No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”
29 Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. 30 Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.”
31 “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. 32 “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
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