O to live in a world where pain, sorrow and suffering were things that no
one had ever experienced or even knew about. Today I learned one of my dear
friends from high school had her sister pass away. I am terribly sad and hurt
over this. Death is such an enemy. It is strange, all morning I was thinking
about the promise of our resurrection from 1st Corinthians 15 and then as soon
as I got home I learned of sweet Olivia. God was already encouraging me all
morning even before I knew. Death is something that is very hard for me to
bear.. Having lost someone and been through it at such a young age.. I feel the
pain of others because I remember just how hard and dark of a time it is. God's
promise is sure.
My Pastor was talking about suffering and saying, “Sometimes we suffer so
that we ourselves can benefit but other times we suffer for the benefit of
someone else.” I hope so many people will be reached because of the death of
this young girl. I remember there were over 1400 people at Kelsey’s funeral. I
hope that if Olivia knew or had friends that were not living correctly that
this death of hers will benefit them and that they will turn from their sin and
live for God.
I've been reading "A Sweet and Bitter Providence." It is a
wonderful book that centers around the book of Ruth.
In it John Piper talks about how we are to deal with
difficult circumstances.
“Life is not a straight line leading
from one blessing to the next and then finally to heaven. Life is a winding and
troubled road. Switchback after switchback. And the point of biblical stories
like Joseph and Job and Esther and Ruth is to help us feel in our bones (not
just know in our heads) that God is for us in all these strange turns. God is
not just showing up after the trouble and cleaning it up. He is plotting the
course and managing the troubles with far-reaching purposes for our good and
for the glory of Jesus Christ.” -Piper
I believe that with all of my heart. God has His hands in everything. Every
circumstance. Every situation. I learned so early that this life is temporal.
But I also know that we were created eternal beings and we were created for an
eternity with our Lord. Olivia is in the arms of Jesus.
“I am the resurrection and the life;
he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and
believes in Me will never die.” –John 11:25-26
“
They will hunger no longer, now
thirst anymore. Nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb
in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to the
springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”
Rev 7:7:16-17
This is our promise. God's covenant with us. Ivy says whenever someone dies
she just thinks that it means there is more of a welcoming party for her when
she goes. I know the other saints in heaven welcomed Olivia’s soul home just as
they did for Kelsey those 5 long years ago. Pray for the Singletons as their
pain is still so fresh. Pray that the Lord will show himself so sweetly to them
and comfort their broken hearts. He is near to the broken hearted and to all
who call out to his name. We serve a great, loving and powerful God.
Love always
HollyDee
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