Saturday, February 14, 2015

Saturday, February 14, 2015 [by Keesha Sullivan]

     I couldn’t help but feel the tears streaming down my face as I listened to their story. I quickly glanced to the right and left and saw my fellow congregants sniffling too. The mother and the father stood side by side as they spoke about their college age son that loved the Lord. Their palpable love for him seemed to seep out through their story, their demeanor, and even their eyes. Their son came to visit them for one last weekend. As he drove back to school, he got into a very serious car accident. These brokenhearted parents drove four hours to the hospital not knowing whether he was dead or alive. They were met at the doors by an officer that relayed the news of their son’s death. 

     However their story did not end with the loss of their only son. They are still alive and raising their daughter. They told us although they are still grieving parents that they are letting the Lord sustain them each and every moment of the day. They let us know that God was the only One that could help them carry this terrible burden. 

     In our scripture, God makes a promise to us to do just that. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;” (Psalm 34:18). The Lord promised us that He would be close to us when trouble comes. Trouble will definitely come. This is also a promise. In John 16:33 it says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

     

     Although we will experience trials, heartache, extreme pain, and grief in this world, the Lord tells us that we can still be hopeful because He has overcome the world. He also says that He is close by to help us as well as to deliver us. 

After the parents finished their testimony, the pastor said, “All I know is that we can either go through with God or we can go through without Him. Those are the two choices.” It is my hope that we all choose the first of the two choices. 

     Lord, please help us to realize that although we will experience tribulation in this world that You will help us through. Thank You for being a God that we can lean on at all times. Thank You for being a God that can provide for all of our needs. Help us to make the choice to always go through with You and to maintain our hope in You. We love You Lord. Thank You for Your promises. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.