Last night I learned of an acquaintance from some years back whose life had come to an end. I read the obituary for this young person and realized what I always do when I hear of such, the deep pain that the family and friends are left with when this one is gone. The questions they are faced with at the loss of this beloved person.
Many years ago in another city, I got a call after midnight from a friend who said “I need your help.” I dressed and went to visit a family whose daughter had died suddenly. The whole foundation of this family was cracked beyond human understanding and repair. A deep and profound sadness enveloped all who were connected to these people. Of course they all asked why? They began to second-guess their actions, words, intentions and even faith. Heavy weeping was endured in the presence and company of friends. I was asked by the family “Where is our child now?” I answered as best as a human can, that no man can truly know the heart of another human being, but God does. I told them that God was kind. God is compassionate. God hears every word that is thought and prayed and God even understands the confusion in the mind which one doesn’t even understand himself.
We are all sometimes confused by life and its pain and brokenness and we don’t even know our own thoughts, but God does. God gets it. God cares. God is there at the end, knowing the heart and intentions of every human being and he is extending grace to those who somehow embrace his infinite compassion, even if they don’t quite understand what is going on… God does understand. God loves.
At the end of his life, Jesus looked over to a man whose own life was ending and gave him hope. Years ago when this young life ended, Jesus was waiting, with understanding, with comfort, not judging, but allowing, and he was present.
Those who are left behind may do what the mother of the young woman did those many years ago, embrace Jesus’ offer of comfort in the midst of hurt.
This world is full of broken people, God gets that. God cares. That’s why Jesus came. That’s why he lived and suffered. To suffer as we have. To suffer as we do.
When we hurt because of a suffering friend or one who is gone, please know that Jesus cares and wants to bring you peace through the grace he offers. He is right there in the midst of our hurt. He wishes to embrace you with his love and care. He wants to give us comfort in the midst of hurt.
Reach out to him, and accept his offer of peace from grace and he will give you comfort in the midst of hurt.
kingdom travelin' 