My dear freind, Shay, stepped in heaven yesterday morning. Escorted by the angels, Shay was led to King Jesus. All her tiredness, anxiety, and sickness left her once and for all. As Jesus embraced her, she received her new name, her new body, her new home. Today she stands strong, full of joy and new life. She’s reunited with loved ones. In light of a greater revelation of God, I can almost hear her calling to us still on earth — “Our God IS a God of miracles. How great! How perfect! How wonderful is He.”
I woke up sad this morning…not sad for Shay, but sad for life without her. Sad for her kids who will no longer have their mother. It’s truly bitter sweet. When we reach for God’s perspective, we understand that “the death of saint is precious in the sight of the Lord” (Psalm 116:17). No words can begin to describe how much better our lives will be when we take that wonderful step into eternity. We are but foreigners on earth…our true home sweet home is heaven, in the presence of our God.
Have you lost a loved one and felt that “bitter sweet” pain in your heart? How do we keep on living by faith when God answered our prayers for healing, by taking our loved one home to heaven? How do we grieve and celebrate life simultaneously?
- Remember the good. Grief mingles with joy when we glance back to celebrate life. It will help heal your soul by laughing & crying as you recall the good times shared with your loved one.
- Live with eternity in your heart. (Eccl. 3:11). Our lives on earth are but a moment in light of what’s to come. Live to know Jesus more & more & more….
- Highly value relationships every day. Life can change on a dime. Don’t wait until it’s too late to embrace those God has placed in your life. Tell them you love them often.
- Keep living by faith. Our God’s ways are higher than ours. While we may never understand why He heals some on earth and others with a new life in heaven, we keep trusting Him. We keep asking for miracles. We keep standing on the truth of Ephesians 3:20. “Our God will do above and beyond what we ask or think.”
So, today is bitter sweet. I already miss my sweet friend. And, if you have a moment today, please pray with me for her son and daughter.
cindy booth 