Comfort in Loss

Hours ago I attended the funeral of my aunt and uncle whom were murdered in their own home on 11th January 2012. It shocked the local community and made headlines both in the UK and abroad. This was the first real test of my Christian faith.

This was potentially a very difficult time for me, not only because of the manner in which they died but because of all the hurt, pain and sorrow I could see around me. However my resolve in the Lord did not falter for He promise’s comfort to all those who seek Him.

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved" - Psalm 55:22 KJV

The poem below called "Footprints in the Sand" by Mary Stevenson reminds us that even when it looks as if He has abandoned us during our times of need, it couldn't be further from the truth.

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord,
"You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during
the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one
set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most,
you have not been there for me?"

The Lord replied,
"The times when you have
seen only one set of footprints,
is when I carried you."

When the people we love and care about depart this life we mourn there passing. Jesus spoke of mourning when he held a sermon on the mountainside.

"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." - Matthew 5:4 KJV

For even Jesus mourned the passing of his friend Lazarus when he died. Lazarus's death troubled him greatly when he saw Lazarus's sister Mary weeping and a multitude of others wailing with her. Those who believe in Him will not perish but have eternal life for He is the way.

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?" - John 11:25-26 KJV

If you establish the Lord with all your heart and soul there is no obstacle that cannot be overcome.