BESTOWED

Acts 2:24
The LORD is my life's refuge; of whom should I be afraid?
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During Mama’s last days, she was already bed-ridden in the hospital. Doctors would still see to her but they explained that we already have to prepare for the worse. She is just too tired to go on with her earthly life. Our Creator is waiting for her already and she was ready to join Him.

If we believe that people like doctors could make our lives better, or even make us alive again after those lingering illnesses, why can’t we show that same belief in trust in the Lord? This is simply mind-boggling. Our belief is that if things aren't going well, God has abandoned us or is punishing us. But, I would tell you, this is not true. Being a Christian is very likely going to bring us trials and distress and suffering. And when these things happen to us, we need to feel closer to God.

Believe me, I'm not speaking in the abstract here - I experience the death of my father and my mother and it wasn't easy. But during those experiences, I have never felt closer to the Lord - His presence is very strong, in the midst of our suffering, and I have seen a great deal of good come from it. God took on the flesh of man so He can share in our sufferings. And until now, He is doing it. Jesus is always here with us now - crying with us, sharing in our suffering. For it was by His suffering in the cross that we are saved. And His death bestowed on us the accomplishment of God’s promise of eternal life.

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, You sacrificed Your son so that we and our children would live beyond physical death. We know that You grieved when He was crucified and that You grieve over all the atrocities done by men -- especially in Your name. Lift up our hearts to you and fill us with your peace. Your understanding is beyond our comprehension, but give us the knowledge and faith to endure even that which we cannot understand. You will always be our God, and that Your Love is Life that can never really be taken away. Amen +

One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord.