“He will wipe all tears from their eyes, and there will be no more death, suffering, crying, or pain. These things of the past are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4 CEV
Upon sitting down to take in some much needed food after completing the St. Jude Marathon in Memphis Saturday, I looked over to see three young adults with the same photo and inscription on their shirts enjoying their meal as well. Prompted by the Spirit I walked up to them, introduced myself, and humbly asked, “How old was your brother when he was diagnosed?” To which the twin brother replied, “Sean was only three when we found out he had Medulloblastoma and he died on April 3, 2010. Since then we have always run in this race. Today we ran the 10k, our mom ran the half marathon and my dad ran the full.” Struggling to hold back tears at this point, I asked if the experience had made them look at life any differently to which Sean’s sister said, “It’s definitely made our family closer. We appreciate each-other so much more.”
And you know, while I will never know or understand the countless reasons so many people experience pain, sorrow or heartache in this life or why children are allowed to die before they have ever really lived, I do know one thing that brings me great comfort in the midst of the turmoil and suffering of this world... God’s promises are always true. And the same God who promised to bring good out of our hurt, as he did for this family by bringing them closer through their trial, also promised us that a day would come when there would be ”no more death, suffering, crying, or pain.” A day when every tear would be wiped from our eyes and the pain and suffering we have experienced on this earth would be gone forever.
Until that day though, I hope the thought of God's tried-and-true promise that good will always come from our pain brings you the same peace it does me my friend. Peace that, in a world that seems to be spiraling terribly out of control, is so desperately needed.
Heavenly Father, thank You for always making beauty from ashes for those who have put their faith and trust in You. Help us to look to You when we don’t understand the “whys” of this world Lord and to trust that Your plan is greater than any one we could ever imagine. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
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