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For If We Believe

 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

In grief I have come face to face with myself.  There is no place to hide.  There are no escape routes.  Grief does not discriminate. When grief shows up as a result of loss, we become more visible.  Like it or not grief reveals the real "us."    Grief can shatter hope. Grief can defer dreams. Grief can bury a soul alive.  Grief.  However, grief can instill hope. Grief can give way to realized dreams.  Grief can give new birth to its bearer.  For if we believe that God is Sustainer; God is Comforter; God is the Wonderful Counselor.  Grief in the hands of a Good God can provide a road to draw closer to the Savior.  

Sooner or later, we are all touched by this.  Grief.  Reeling and rocking, sometimes sobbing and alone.  Grief.  The more I type the word the more complicated it seems.  But then I hear the words: "For if we believe..."  

Grief is a crossroad. It is a road that presents itself as a burden that cannot be overcome. It is a cross we are not meant to bear alone.  The hymnist asks: "Must Jesus bear the cross alone and all this world go free? No! There's a cross for everyone and there's a cross for me."  Grief.

There is an invitation to us to address our pain and sorrow in the Word of God.  God acknowledges our sorrow, but He also directs us how maintain our balance even as we mourn.  He does not put a timeline on this pain.  Yet, He instructs us not to lose hope.  If we believe that is what we hold fast too.  The fact that we believe.

Listen to the Word of the Lord: But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

For if we believe..."Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4

in Christ,

Sis. Stephanie


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