In the 16 years that have passed since I began the journey through grief in response to the loss of our son, Kevin, I have exprienced a deepened Faith that has proven much stronger than the affects and hold that grief might have on me.
Where there was once intense and often overwhelming, all-consuming grief, there is now evidence of healing, which I believe is because of God's promise in Isaiah 61:3 which I have shared many times and which became the guiding scripture for the Mothers Like Me comfort ministry for moms who have suffered the loss of a child.
In this promise, I find great hope, strength and comfort as "He gives beauty for ashes, joy for mourning and praise for the spirit of heaviness . . . " no other source of comfort and encouragement is like His for me, because of the reality and presence of Jesus Christ in my life . . .
". . . we, (who believe in Jesus as "the way, the truth and the life,") have been saved and promised Heaven, but there is still a long road to walk before we arrive. Yet, in the name of Jesus, we have everything we need to complete our course, no matter what obstacles and challenges we face. Just consider the following ways Jesus comes to our aid as outlined by Charles Stanley . . .
*He is our ADVOCATE (I John 2:1-2)
*He is our AUTHORITY (Matthew 28:18
*He is our ASSISTANCE (John 16:13-15)
*He is our ANSWER (John 16:23-24).
What an amazing gift it is to belong to Christ. God's hand moves at the name of Jesus, when we have a holy and pure heart before Him. Therefore, let's make it our ambition (and highest calling) to live in complete dependence on this powerful name. . . every day of our life."
My personal devotion and faith in the reality of God, His presence and His promises is definitely what gives me the hope and strength that guides and anchors me, and no matter what comes my way, assails or tries to lure me away from God, "the anchor holds."
Grief has no particular hold on me anymore, and I know it is because of Jesus who has been my "advocate, authority, assistance and answer." Of course I will always miss our son and life will bring more losses, hardships, trials and sufferings I am sure, but my Faith and trust in God grows stronger, and all the grief I have experienced throughout my life on this Earth pales in comparison to the reality of the love, grace and presence of my Abba (Daddyt) who is my constant companion, always good, always loving, always with my best interest at His heart.
The words from a favorite old hymn comes to my heart and mind in this moment - "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine - oh what a foretaste of glory divine....." that blessed assurance is definitely a "foretaste of glory divine," and there is great comfort in knowing that because I belong to God, that "foretaste of glory divine" is available to me here and now. Without a doubt, the blessing of Eternal Life through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior is the reason that my Faith is "stonger than grief!"
With Faith, Hope and Love,
Angie "a mom like you"
amotherlikeme@gmail.com
www.amotherlikeme.info
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