Tuesday, July 13, 2010

A Day of Loss

Yesterday was a devastating day for my church family. We had a lot of loss, including the loss of our college pastor's son who was born 14 weeks premature. Please pray for these families (the Atwoods, the Youngs, and the Henns) in my church, check out the details here: A Pretty Devastating Day.

It's hard to find good in so many situations, but I am reminded by what the world defines as "good" is completely different than the good that we know as followers of Christ. Death is hard for us on earth because we loose a loved one, and we tend to forget what happens after death. Death is not a sad thing, but a glorious thing for those who have died that know the Lord. They are now with the Lord, completely healed, in no pain, in complete happiness, bringing glory to God. What a wonderful thing. However, I can't ignore the face that those who do not know the Lord, death is a devastation. Each one of us deserves eternal damnation, but because of the love our God has for us, we can be saved. For those that believe in Christ, the one who lived the life we should have lived and died the death we deserve, we now can have eternal life. What a glorious thing.

Our Savior loves us and I can only pray that these families will find comfort in the love we have received from our Lord and that God will be glorified in each one of these losses. I am praying for each of these families to receive:

comfort from the Lord,
"Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again." Psalms 71:20-21

the peace of God,
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

and glory through their suffering...
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 8:18

to God be the glory.

2 comments:

The Bryant's said...

So sorry to hear about all the loss your church family has lost. We will keep them in your prayers. I don't know if you remember when we were at the beach about baby Addison but, she is still hanging in there. If you want to visit her updates and leave a message you can go on face book and type in Praying for Addison. She is the gorgeous blonde haired, brilliant blue eyed 3 year sitting in front of her Dora cake back on Mother's day! Also my best friend Dina I am sure you guys remember last December when the surgeons went in and done 2 brain surgeries to remove 2 tumors, well there is another tumor but it is inoperable at this time. So he has to do chemo for 1 year and possibly until he has grown out of puberty then they will do surgery. He is the son I will never have and of Dina is the sister I have never had. Please pray for Gabriel, he is only 7 but seems so old to hear him talk. Dina and I have been BFFL since we were 10 so, that's over 27 years (longer than you and Zach have been around). Norman's mom is coming home from the nursing home on Thursday. It may be easier it may not I'm not sure yet but please pray for her recovery and us caregivers. We love you guys and take care.

The Bryant's

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your church family. These are awful tragedies.

Andrea & Allen