Tuesday, May 28, 2013

By: Gwen Hitt

Be Comforted

2 Corinthians 5:1 For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands.

When my husband opened the front door to go outside early one morning, our two-year old grandson who was staying with us awakened and yelled "Wait, don't leave me, WAIT!" When my grandson ran into the living room, my husband picked him up and assured him that he was not going to leave him.

Sadly, for us, my mother-in-law DID leave us on Saturday afternoon. Although we would have all wanted to yell out to her "don't leave us," we understand that she is now in a place of peace and joy. Revelation 21:4 tells us that "He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever."

How do we know with all assurance that she is truly residing in heaven? We know this because of her deep love and compassion for Jesus. As her illness progressed and she began to experience pain, she would tell us that her pain could not compare to what Jesus suffered.

She had a legitimate reason to complain, but she did not. Instead, when the pain was intense, she would call out to Jesus to help her. Psalm 46:1 tells us that "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." He is there - we just need to cry out to Him.

Even though she is no longer with us, her example of trusting God and drawing upon His comfort is now available to us. Corinthians 1:4 explains it in the following way: "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us." We are now able to be comforted as we grieve for the loss of such a vital part of our family BECAUSE of her actions.

My challenge to you when you are facing insurmountable pain is to turn to the source of true comfort. Allow Him to carry your burdens - to give you peace.

Dear Lord, Thank You for the assurance that I have in You. I ask You to give me peace in my time of need.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.