Have you ever endured a loss that took your breath away? Have you experienced a life change that took the wind out of your sails? How did your salvation and faith in Jesus affect how you processed this heartache? We want to talk to you about how to apply scripture to these moments. We’ll share the raw places in our own hearts with you in hopes that you’ll be able to open your own hearts to the only One who can truly comfort you, Jehovah Rapha (which means God my healer and my comforter).
Last month we lost Jackie’s mother, Lila. If you want to better understand what a loss this truly was to this world, read our last blog, “Love Like Lila”. She was one of a kind with a true servant’s heart. She lived in our home for the last twenty years. Her love for us and for Jesus led her to serve in many ways. We feel this loss in every area of our lives. She prayed over us, praised with us, and always welcomed us home with a warm meal, no matter the hour of our arrival. She would shew anyone from the stove, kitchen sink, or laundry room with a pleasant but strong “I’ve got it” or “Let me take care of this”. These rooms were her domain. Her absence is felt each day in so many ways. This loss has impacted us greatly. The tears well up and fall. But this loss has not overtaken us. It has not robbed us of our joy or our peace. While Lila was the source of many hot meals and so much love, she helped teach us that our ultimate source is our loving and devoted Heavenly Father.
Change is inevitable. Seasons change. People change. Our loved ones move from this realm to the next. There is only one constant, Father God. He lives outside of time and space. All else is subject to the unwavering moving of time. Hebrews 13:8 says “Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever”. He doesn’t change, and neither does His Word. During times of heartache, we want to encourage you to hold on to your one constant. When life comes at you, keep your eyes on Him and on eternal things! This is the only way to access the peace that you need in the midst of an ever-changing world.
We read about His abundant peace in Philippians 4:6-7 which says “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Wow! What a good Father He is! He tells us exactly how to access the peace that we so desperately desire. Call on Him. Show him your hurting heart. Peace will follow when you hand your heart over to Him in this way. In Lila’s final hours the only words that escaped her lips were words of praise, “In Jesus name” and “Thank you Jesus”. And in the days since her passing, I’ve witnessed Jackie cling to these same phrases as she has her own transition. While our loved ones transition to Heaven, we must transition to life without them here on Earth, always remembering that they are in our future!
Because of our salvation and our relationship with God, we have been able to live out 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14. “Beloved brothers and sisters, we want you to be quite certain about the truth concerning those who have passed away, so that you won’t be overwhelmed with grief like many others who have no home. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who died while believing in him.” We don’t have to walk around grieving a loss that lasts forever. We have renewed excitement for Heaven, knowing that Lila is there with Jesus!
Whether your tough season is losing a loved one or some other form of painful change, we want to remind you that the only way through it is a relationship with your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Cling to Him as your constant, and always remember that seasons change. Every time. You won’t feel like this forever. You won’t be dealing with this forever. Change will come again. Make sure you’re allowing the Lord to be with you during these times. You do this by clinging to the Word.
Proverbs 3:5-10 says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain and your vats will overflow with good wine.”
If your heart is aching today, we encourage you to take the time to give your heart to the Lord. Run to the Word for comfort and you will find what all you need and more! If you need prayer, please reach out to us at the church office. We would like to personally pray with you!
