Great loss
One of the most painful things I face as a Pastor is when people in our church go through difficult circumstances. A few years ago I received news that one of the dearest brothers in our church has suffered a severe heart attack and passed away. He was only 52 years old, and left his wife and two college-aged daughters.
My heart broke for the family, and for our church. We had truly suffered a great loss.
A friend you can trust
We live in a day and age that offers more assistance and resources then ever before. Advances in technology and communication give people instant access to information. Yet, in the final analysis there are still many situations which are beyond explanation. There are no quick and easy answers.
Our human nature wants to ask God, “Why did this happen?” We can even grow resentful and bitter towards God, after all, “How could a loving God allow this to happen?”
I do not claim to have a complete answer to these questions, nor would I trust anyone who did, but I read something that helped. It’s a quote of Martin Luther’s from a time when he faced immeasurable difficulties and attack. His words echoed in my heart and gave me strength, I hope they do yours as well…
I know not the way I am going,
But well do I know my Guide;
With a childlike trust I give my hand,
To the mighty Friend by my side.
Yes I can relate I never understood why I lost my mom so young at 49 years old, but God opens and closes many doors for us in our lives we just have to let go the door knob.
Needed this big time today. In a place where my faith seems so dim, while remembering a time when it was vivid, loud, and risky. Losing a loved one to a chronic/terminal illness sucks and trying to understand it only adds to the hurt and confusion. I trust the process and my guide and am believing for a shift.
Once again, we are called to put our hands in Gods hands. Pain too big for us can only be carried by Him. Questions scream to tear our faith into filthy confetti. Hope seems buried under the volume of a simple “why”. And in some kind of God Miracle, He wraps us in the Peace that passes all understanding that comes only from coming through previous trials, previous pain. Because He did it before, Peace and Trust come quicker, bigger and bolder. My God is a Good, Good Father.