It has been a while since I have posted anything. Most recently, life has been one punch to the stomach after another. Not too long ago, some of my closest friends buried their four day old daughter. Two weeks ago, one of our church’s worship leaders died tragically in a car accident, which also left his wife sustaining grave injuries. This week, another year passed since my oldest sister went to be with Jesus many years ago. As one life changing moment surfaces after another, I can’t help but sit and ask “Why?!”
I don’t know about you, but I have walked through some pretty difficult seasons in my life. I have also witnessed friends, family and others around me navigate through the same uncharted waters. Those seasons surfaced many heart wrenching moments, moments of doubt, moments of confusion, and moments of great questioning.
After my sister passed away, the aftermath I faced was too difficult to bear. Being younger, I didn’t understand and I couldn’t comprehend the fact that things would be “ok.” The remnants of her loss launched me into unbearable seasons, from depression to constant anxiety. However, God has given great victory over those seasons since and I can testify that our pain is not wasted.
…prior pain cannot prepare you for future pain.
All this current tragedy, along with past pain, has solidified one thing for me: prior pain cannot prepare you for future pain. Pain is pain my friends and loss is loss. The emotions, tears, anger, all of it, is all too real each and every time. No one ever masters the “art” of enduring pain- if there ever was such a thing. Each time presents deep and raw emotions. So what do we do during this difficult time?
I have no idea.
I’m sure that real comforting for you, right? But, before you totally question my doctrine, keep reading. I, by my own strength and might, have no idea what to do. But God does. I have no idea what will come from all of this, but God knows. I have no idea what tomorrow will look like, but God has the future already penned out.
Rest in the joy and victory of the Cross. And although we may experience tragedy and loss here on earth, our hearts are anchored to the Hope that is Heaven.
By our own means, we have no idea. Our finite strength and minds cannot comprehend, however, God is great and only He truly knows. As we seek for answers, ask why, and try with every ounce of our being to find nuggets of hope through it all, we turn to Him. As I reflect on my sister’s passing and all the hurt around me, I am not only reminded of what we lost, but reminded of what we gained. We gained a greater desire for eternity. I am reminded that our hearts are tied to heaven that much more. And finally, I am reminded that whatever Satan intends for evil, God will use for good.
Friends, whatever you are walking through, rejoice in the undeniable truth that “our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” Find comfort in the unchanging promise that God always works out all things for our good and for His glory. Rest in the joy and victory of the Cross. And although we may experience tragedy and loss here on earth, our hearts are anchored to the Hope that is Heaven.
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