The Apostle Paul said, “Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope” ( I Thessalonians 4:13 NIV).
“Because He lives, I can face tomorrow; Because He lives, all fear is gone…”* As the strong, young voices of my mother-in-law’s grandchildren filled the church with words of courage and hope, I felt the somber atmosphere lightening, the shadows receding. Mom’s countenance, which had been sorrowful and downcast, began to change. Before the last words had faded away, my sister-in-law, Roveen, instructed quickly, “Sing it again!” She sensed how desperately her mother needed this message.
My father-in-law’s unexpected death had so traumatized his wife that we wondered whether we would ever again see the woman we had known and loved. But as these young people she loved so much ministered the hope of the Gospel through their music, the transformation began. The hopelessness began to fade away.
In the midst of life-changing tragedies, it is because Jesus lives that we dare to face tomorrow; it is because He lives that we dare to face our fears. Mom had many difficult changes ahead of her, but the reminder that the source of her strength was Jesus had restored her to courage and hope.
Father, thank you that, because of Jesus, we do not need to “grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.” Amen.
*(From “Because He Lives” by William J. Gaither.)
*I didn’t have words for a blog this week, but this devotional from Homespun Faith expresses well our sentiments at this difficult time. Our thanks to all you who have walked this journey with us.
Devotional adapted from Homespun Faith, Reflections from the Seasons of Life, copyright 2014 Daisy Beiler Townsend. Available as paperback or ebook: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Xulon Press. There are Links on this website on the Where to Buy Homespun Faith and Sarah’s Legacy page. Locally at Fresh Grounds, M & M Grocery, Leana’s Books, Penn Alps in Grantsville, Maryland, or from me 724-373-8445.)
One thought on “Because He Lives*”
Daisy, so beautiful and true. I’m constantly praying for you.