We all wonder at times if and when God wills that we go through a dark trial. We wonder if we will fold under the stress of the pain or grief.
Last week, my husband and I entered our first dark trial together...the loss of our fourth child.
As I have heard over the years, you cannot prepare for the loss of a child. And though this is true, you can prepare your heart to not panic or despair by having a loving relationship with the Father in Heaven ahead of time. My heart can rest in Him, because over the years, He has already proven Himself a faithful comforter. He has proven His word true here on earth, so I can safely trust Him for the promises of eternity...like the promise that "whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." John 3:36. I know I have eternal life and that one day I will see my child again. I will have all of eternity to love that precious soul. Only time seperates us now. This eternal soul is alive outside of time and already lives with the Father. I find deep joy knowing my child is enjoying the presence of Jesus, because I know there is no greater joy on earth. The best moments are always when my children find a new reason to praise Jesus or when they discover a new promise in His word. Having a sibling in Heaven gives them another reason to "seek the things above." Losing a loved one definitely falls under the category of "darkness," but God promises a treasure and hidden riches within that darkness. My prayer is that this little life already taken from us will bring many souls to Heaven just by fixing our eyes on the One who offers eternal life through Jesus Christ's death on the cross.
Last week, my husband and I entered our first dark trial together...the loss of our fourth child.
As I have heard over the years, you cannot prepare for the loss of a child. And though this is true, you can prepare your heart to not panic or despair by having a loving relationship with the Father in Heaven ahead of time. My heart can rest in Him, because over the years, He has already proven Himself a faithful comforter. He has proven His word true here on earth, so I can safely trust Him for the promises of eternity...like the promise that "whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." John 3:36. I know I have eternal life and that one day I will see my child again. I will have all of eternity to love that precious soul. Only time seperates us now. This eternal soul is alive outside of time and already lives with the Father. I find deep joy knowing my child is enjoying the presence of Jesus, because I know there is no greater joy on earth. The best moments are always when my children find a new reason to praise Jesus or when they discover a new promise in His word. Having a sibling in Heaven gives them another reason to "seek the things above." Losing a loved one definitely falls under the category of "darkness," but God promises a treasure and hidden riches within that darkness. My prayer is that this little life already taken from us will bring many souls to Heaven just by fixing our eyes on the One who offers eternal life through Jesus Christ's death on the cross.
Kristen,
ReplyDeleteI've been praying for you and John and your kids. At school on Monday we had chapel and we've been going through the Beatitudes. This week we were on "Blessed are those that mourn, for they shall be comforted." You were on my mind that whole time. I hope you're feeling comfort that only the Comforter can bring.