Death Is Certain

It’s been four years since the residents of New Orleans and the surrounding area were devastated by Hurricane Katrina. They were warned to evacuate or face certain death. The truth is we all face certain death; but most of us will die without warning. This world and everything in it is temporary; every circumstance, every worry, every heartbreak……everyone.

I learned this first hand when our grandson was taken away in an instant without warning. We had no goodbye hugs or kisses. Nothing could have prepared us for the pain and deep sorrow that we felt as we buried our little five month old baby boy. My world had closed in on me. It felt so tiny all of a sudden. I couldn’t catch my breath. It was as if I were suffocating. I had lost control of everything and there was nothing I could do about it. I couldn’t bring Caleb back, I couldn’t make Chad and Carmen’s pain go away and I couldn’t believe that my God had allowed this to happen to my family. What was the purpose of all of this pain and suffering?

I leaned on God for strength and comfort during the days, weeks, months and now years later. It is hard to believe that it has been 2 ½ years since the Lord called our baby home and yet it seems like yesterday. I can tell you without a doubt that if it wasn’t for God I would not have made it through the funeral much less be here today to write about it. I have heard the inaudible yet unmistakable voice of God telling me that everything in its own time and season will happen for His purpose and His glory. I heard a preacher say this morning “We live on promises not explanations”. Even though we would like to have one God doesn’t owe us an explanation for the trials that we go through. We just need to remember that it is through trials and tribulation that we become the person we were meant to be in Christ.

SCRIPTURES

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Psalm 9:14-16

For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, who says to you, “Do not fear, I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

Therefore you now have sorrow, but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. John 16:22

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13

O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Psalms 63:1

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4