By Jill Krueger Wagner
Many times, when I’ve found myself in a difficult situation, I have asked God to show me how to navigate the circumstances in the light of Philippians 4:8. I would ask Him to show me what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy, given the events that have unfolded. So today, I came before Him and asked how do I find those things following the deaths of my mother, my son, and my friend in a short six months’ time?
What is true: God hates death – it’s reign over us in temporary.
Death is God’s enemy and will one day be destroyed (1 Corinthians 15:26).
The Devil came to kill, steal, and destroy but Jesus came
to give us abundant life (John 10:10).
Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).
What is noble:
Jesus wept, (John 11:35) so grieve honestly without
pretense. Crying is not something to hide. Know that Jesus will bring good from
this (Romans 8:28).
What is right:
We’re in the world, so we’ll have trouble but Jesus has
overcome the world (John 16:33).
The death of God’s saints is precious to Him (Psalm 116:15) Mom, Todd, and Linda all knew God and were, therefore, saints.
What is pure:
I don’t grieve without hope as the world does, (1
Thessalonians 4:13) but know I’ll see Mom, Todd, and Linda again. I shouldn't fear strong emotions. If Jesus wept freely, so can I.
Thoughts of no more pain for my loved ones, not focusing
on my loss but on their gain. Mom had been bed-ridden for eight months – now
she’s walking streets of gold. Todd was tormented as a targeted individual –
now he’s walking with Jesus and the saints, enjoying freedom. Linda’s health
was so bad that she had difficulty walking a few steps – now she’s not hindered
at all by her body.
Not hiding my pain but not displaying it unnecessarily
either.
To believe all God says about death.
Proceeding daily to do all God’s called me to do.
