When Our Earthly Life Ends

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." Psalm 23 NIV

It is never easy to say goodbye to someone we love, especially in the circumstance of them passing away.

Tomorrow, I will be officiating the funeral of a wonderful lady from our church and it is hard. Hard to lose such a bright light within our congregation and our community, Her decline in health had taken many months and yet the time of her leaving this earth was quite quick. Leaving her husband and family in shock and great loss.

As I prepare the service for Tuesday, I am filled with the words from Jesus where He says, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." John 14:1-3 NIV

This is where our friend from church is today! This is where we find comfort and peace. Peace in knowing that one day we will see her again and when we do we will be in the presence of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior!

Where do we find comfort for ourselves until that day? In Jesus' words, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27 NIV

When we grieve, Jesus is there.

When we suffer loss, Jesus is there.

When we are battling a horrible or terminal disease, Jesus is there.

When we don't where our next meal is coming from, Jesus is there.

Jesus is always with us up until the day we leave our earthly bodies and join Him in heaven!

Our friend from church is finally no longer suffering and is pain free and joyous in the presence of Jesus!

One day we will be there as well! We grieve our loss and we look forward to seeing our loved ones who have gone before us once again.

Please pray for our friend's husband and family as well as our church congregation!

Giving praise to our God now and forevermore!

Blessings to you all,

Gwen