Stings

“…O death where is your sting?”  1 Corinthians 15:55
It is here in this corner of “the land of pine trees and lakes”.  It has stung the group of believers I call family.  In the past week, a wonderful elderly saint, a warrior for Christ, a man who faithfully ministered in prisons and nursing homes went to meet his Savior face to face.  A dear friend lost her brother very unexpectedly and Monday night a sweet, kind, godly young pastor’s wife lost her courageous battle with cancer.
I don’t understand the timing of death.  We sing of heaven and we talk of being homesick but I have found that most of us feel like the old saying, “I want to go to heaven, I just don’t want to go today”.  Really what I don’t understand is God’s timing.  His decision process.  God’s power and sovereignty are supreme.  His ability to intervene in the affairs of men is unquestionable.  Yet, I have often said, “I know He can, I just don’t know if He will”.
How do you feel about questioning God?  About arguing your case before Him?  During difficult times, when tragedy hits us personally, we usually ask “why”?  What purpose will this serve?  What is the eternal significance in this?  Sometimes, usually after time, we may see the “why”, the purpose.  More often we will not know the answers to our questions on this side of heaven.   This is where our faith muscles are stretched and we “know because we know” that we are loved by God and if we are in pain, it is never in vain.
For those who have left this world, they have met their sweet Savior.  Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:8 that when we are absent from our body, we are present with God.  That is a wonderful and exciting promise!  To those who woke this morning without their loved one, this may be a comfort that will have to grow through time.  Healing will come only through a process and a big component of that will be time.  My prayer for them all is that God will do for them what only He can do.
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2 Comments

  1. Thanks so much for your thoughts Karen. It is a wonderful feeling when we realize that God is big enough to handle our emotions and loves us so much that He wants that kind of relationship with us.

  2. I used to think that we could never question God. With age, and maturity in my Christianity, I have realized that with God as my Heavenly Father I can discuss matters with Him just as my own children can discuss their issues with me. The outcome may not change or the answer may not always be what they want to hear, but as long as they are respectful in their questions it’s alright.
    When I’m hurt, I cry to God. When I’m angry I call out to God. When I’m happy, I sing to God but above all I praise My God!