In 2016, I experienced probably the most painful yr of my life. Early within the yr, my dog died. Although some Christians frown upon grieving the lack of an animal, I grieved my pet because I loved her. Much greater than just an animal, she had been my friend and companion growing up. I considered her a member of my family.
Months later, sorrow got here again when my mother died. I struggled with the indisputable fact that my mother was gone, that I might not see her smiling face or hear her voice during my lifetime. She had all the time been a source of strength and stability for my family. The lack of her plummeted me right into a dark season of grief. I used to be within the valley of the shadow of death, and I saw no end to the sorrow. In some ways, the grief never left. There are still days after I feel overwhelmed with sadness, keenly aware of my mother’s absence.
However, in that weary land of shadow generally known as grief, there may be a light-weight – Jesus Christ. Throughout that yr, I needed to lean more on my Savior than ever. He comforted me in my sorrow and showed me that I could depend upon Him. Even though my world felt shattered, Jesus was still there. He loved me in my brokenness and sadness, offering His nail-scarred hands for me to carry.
I’m still amazed that something beautiful got here out of that season of grief and brokenness. My faith grew in consequence of what I experienced. Aware of the suffering that comes from experiencing the death of family members, my ability to empathize and grieve with those that grieve matured. I even have a more profound eager for the New Heaven and New Earth where there can be “no more death or sorrow or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4, NLT).
To make clear, I’m not arguing that seasons of misery are suitable or that God caused my dog and mother to die. God originally made the world good, where people and animals didn’t suffer or die. The death of those we love occurs because we live in a world affected by sin (Romans 5:12; 1 Corinthians 15:21). Our Lord, who’s loving, good, and holy, doesn’t and can’t commit evil. However, He can use bad situations for His good, bringing something beautiful from the ashes of pain and suffering.
Through our miserable seasons, God can work in our lives to grow and equip us. He is working even when all we see is our brokenness and a shadowy world of pain.
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