We received horrible news this week. Dear friends of ours lost their 25 year old son, tragically and unexpectedly. My kids grew up with this family. We cherish them – each and every one: from the Mother who was instrumental in leading me to Christ, to the Father who is mentor and co-marathoner with my hubby, to the daughter who lovingly cared for my own children for over 10 years as their babysitter, to their other son who has been my oldest’s best friend since they were 2.
The son they lost, we watched grow up, but from a further distance. But never could we miss his wit, his profound intelligence, his passion, his confidence, his fortitude, his faith and his deep love for his family.
We are crushed for them. We have broken hearts for their broken hearts. We have no answers, only trust in God for his provision and strength in their time of great sorrow.
And we know that we are more than conquerors because of the Jesus who loves. And comforts. And shines through our darkest hours. And death doesn’t change his love, it makes it more complete, just as Jesus’ death completes us all.
As I sit here in my room, wishing I was in my friends’ living room thousands of miles away instead, I mourn. I cry tears for a mother who is experiencing unfathomable loss, a sister who wanted an Uncle for her daughter, a Dad who longs for one more chance to share life and laughter, a brother who wants his big brother to look up to once more.
But I can do nothing to change their reality.
But pray.
And stand with them in their sorrow.
Courtesy of sxc.hu @ yournewven
When I read Ecclesiastes this morning, I was reminded that God’s truth is ever-present in times of trouble. And in the way nothing else in the world can do – not words, not platitudes, not meals, not tears, not my presence in a living room 1500 miles away- God’s word brings life and hope.
Here are the truths I found today in Solomon’s writings. May they help you in the hardship or sorrows you might be facing. And may God’s truth always be a salve for your wounds.
1. There is a time for everything. A time to weep, a time to mourn, a time to cry, a time to mend, a time to be silent.
2. He has made everything beautiful in its time.
3. He has set eternity in the human heart.
4. Everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it.
I have no answers as to why a young man filled with promise and life has been taken from this world.
But I do know that God set eternity in his heart and I will look forward to seeing him in Heaven one day.