The idea of the quote that stuck with me goes something like “I don’t know which pain is harder to bear, that of losing what you’ve always loved or that of not having had the chance to love.” We can never say which pain is harder . . . that of losing a husband when you’ve just begun your dreams or when you’ve lived your dreams together. When an accident takes the life of a son, who's grown up to be a godly young man, or when you’ve had to lay a little one to rest before he ever had a chance to know right from wrong.
As my heart goes out to those who will always remember, even when friends and family forget, I want to share this story today.
Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” . . .
On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days . . . when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died . . .” (John 11: 1-44)
Can’t you just feel the desperation in her words? She knew how much Jesus loved her brother, so how could he let this happen? Her next words, however show that even though she is grieving, she still believes. “But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” In reviewing this story, Max Lucado points out that “mourning is not disbelieving.” It is okay to grieve. We see this when Jesus begins to weep with her . . . with them.
Doesn’t it surprise you that Jesus wept even though He knew what was about to happen? In just a few moments Jesus would command Lazarus up from the grave and they would all be together again. Yet He grieved, experiencing the pain of separation.
For those of us who have said goodbye to loved ones, one day it will seem like just a few moments went by, when “The Lord, Himself, will come down from heaven, with a loud command . . . . and the dead in Christ will rise. (1 Thessalonians 4:16) So we grieve, but not as those who have no hope.
13 comments:
Anneliese. . .these words are so timely today. . .
What wonderful hope we have in Jesus.
I've watched a very dear friend grieve in the last while. .and have been so amazed at God's constant prescence in her life. ..giving her strength and hope.
My heart goes out to those who are grieving...the pain of loss is never easy. May God give them comfort and strength...and may they find comfort in knowing they will one day meet their loved ones again.
Thank you, for your beautiful words!
Anneliese, I have recently discovered the story behind that well loved hymn. After my uncle died suddenly this spring, we sang "It Is Well" at his funeral and my cousin told me the tragic story behind its writing. For at least a week after my uncle's death, I listened to that song over and over so that whenever my mind was idle...the words and tune would come washing over my grieving soul.
I'm always sorry to hear of persons who are grieving, because it is never easy or temporary. But like you, I place my hope in our heavenly father that we will see our loved ones again. I have no doubt that you are balm to your grieving friends' and family's souls.
Here is a link to a beautiful arrangement of "It Is Well With My Soul" which includes a brief synopsis of the story behind the hymn.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8_EfDqF7YI
Thank you, Kathy. I just came from a funeral and so it was very fitting to listen to this song. It brings so much meaning to the words when you read the accompanying story and see the pictures. To think that a hymn like this was penned because of the grief that person went through, always makes the words more powerful.
This is one of my very favorite hymns and the story behind it is so powerful. Thank you for sharing.
Beautiful and inspiring.
Anneliese...thanks for sharing these words with us today.
"It is well with my soul"
There is a beautiful story that I read to my sixth graders called THE BIG WAVE, by Pearl S. Buck. The theme that is woven throughout the story is that “Life is stronger than Death.” (after a young Japanese boy loses his family in a tsunami ~ he regains his joy, inner strength and faces life again with courage. My students love the confirmation that life and love are stronger than death.
There are so many things you mention here, and express them with such wisdom.
Belief in life beyond death, life in the presence of God is powerful; it goes beyond a thought in the mind, it lives in our hearts / raises our spirits.
Thank you for your inspirational words today. ~Maria
There are indeed many heavy hearts these days and we all can share and relate to those emotions, feelings of helplessness and loss. But your song choice is perfect..."when peace like a river attendeth my soul" I think that is how it goes... I sure remember cooling my tired and stubbed tomboy scuffed feet in the river on hot sunny days like today...and the coolness of the river attending to my needs....that is His Peace. Like a river He attendeth our needs, soothing, flowing and filling us where and when we need it.
My husband died in January of this year. We were married for 42 yrs. After the initial shock, I've been able to find such a sense of peace & it comes from knowing he's found peace. Please check out my blog to see your jelly recipe I made. Thanks so much for all your help. I love reading your blog.
On Monday I was one who stood by the grave side of my friend and family member, grieving together with and for my Dad and the other family who lost their Mom and grandma. It IS well with my soul! We have hope. God is sufficient. This was a beautiful post. We felt the prayers....with heart felt thanks. Kathy
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