Tuesday long time friends shared that their oldest grandchild was killed in a moped accident. She was only 28, enjoying life, exploring the world. And her life abruptly ended. The pain the family is going through is beyond description.
We expect death to come in our lives. Our parents, grandparents, even ourselves as we age. But we do not expect to bury children ~ours or others. And grandchildren are off limits. But living in a broken world means the rules we live by can be broken. The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy.
I remember when our son Kevin died. He would have been 37 next week. It was a difficult time for us and for his siblings. It is hard to describe what you feel at the time, and it is not even manageable without God to lean on. We take comfort in knowing our loved ones are in heaven, but it does not stop us from feeling loss.
As a pastor, Joel has stood by the gravesides of so many who were bearing great loss. Horrific circumstances from murder, accidents, still births, disease, fire, and of course, old age. It is never easy for those who gather, but especially when a child is involved. He/we have stood at the graveside of too many children.
Some people believe that it is God's plan for loved ones to die, that He allows or causes accidents, disease, destruction. It was "their time" to die. Some people take comfort in believing that their suffering is ordained by God to give him glory. I often question if you believe God puts sickness on you for his glory......why do you go to doctors to get well? If you visit here often enough, you know that we are not in agreement with those beliefs. None of us would want our children to be in tragic circumstances. Why would God? Our Father in heaven delights in us and wants to bless His children. He is our loving Papa God. In response to the devil's desire to kill, steal, and destroy, Jesus came to give us life and to give it to us more abundantly!
In death and loss we hold on to God's Word and promises. We will see loved ones again and we hold that promise close. And in the midst of it we have hope for that day while living life as a precious gift day by day here.
Bless them in their loss, Lord. Bless all who grieve.
2 comments:
Unfortunately we live in a word where two unalterably opposed kingdoms are in conflict. One brings life and the other death and destruction.
Sending you hugs and prayers as you help your friends through this difficult time. 🙏🏻
Dominique
Dearest Renee, I can't even begin to fathom what those parents or grandparents feels when they loose a child. It is those times that those grieving must hold onto the Father's Hand and find comfort in Him. Words don't even begin to express the heartache, there is nothing that will ever make it easy.
Sending you love, prayers and hugs.
Noreen
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