A small group of us were still gathered after church when the news came—a dear brother in the Lord we had been praying for, died.

A couple weeks earlier, the doctors had said the cancer was too widespread, too severe. “There is nothing else we can do.”

But knowing God could, many people continued fervently in prayer.

Yet . . . the miracle didn’t come.

This latest blow hit on the heels of the shock from six days earlier—when the man’s wife unexpectedly passed away in her sleep at home. A heart attack, it was determined.

Why??

We quickly reconvened in a circle, heads bowed, holding hands, to do the thing we knew best—pray.

Loss causes us to grieve, and with grief comes questions. Our minds grapple with the “whys” and “if onlys”.

We wrestle to find answers, presuming they will provide comfort, and ease the pain of loss.

Yet in our longing for understanding, we mustn’t lose sight of the truths we are sure of—the words from God that bring our lives comfort, and clarity:

• God never leaves us or forsakes us. (Hebrews 13:5)
• Nothing can separate us from God’s love. (Romans 8:35-39)
• His strength is made perfect in our weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
• God’s grace is sufficient for every need. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
• He sees the end from the beginning. (Isaiah 46:9-10)
• God comforts our hearts. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
• We have a glorious hope in Christ. (Revelation 21:1-4)
• We don’t sorrow as others who have no hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
• Jesus Christ gives us peace. (John 14:27)
• Our times are in His hands. (Psalm 31:14-15)

We will certainly miss our friends. But we rejoice knowing that as Christians, it’s not “goodbye,” but “goodbye for now.”

In times of loss, our sadness can easily overshadow His presence. Our questions can conceal His love. Our doubt can deter us from trusting His words.

Faith yields strength through life’s trials as well as triumphs. We trust God because He is faithful.

We gain perspective, hope, comfort, and peace, as we take time to rest our hearts in His presence.

Copyright © 2017 Cheryl Elton

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