His Promises: Part Twelve

I love good health and the gift of life itself…but pain and death are getting pretty obnoxious to me.

This week we learned that our former neighbor Matthew passed away after suffering through many severe illnesses. He was a great neighbor who was always willing to help me with any project I was working on.

We spent many hours chatting away on his porch, and I’m sure that we solved most of the world’s problems during those conversations. I’m going to miss my even-keeled friend Matt, and can only imagine how his wife Janet must be feeling. Oh, how I hope that he is with the Lord. Did Matt put his faith in Christ? Did I say enough about the Lord?

I hadn’t seen Matt in over a year since we moved. Last night I read his obituary and just started to weep. I saw his face and read all about his life and it was too much to bear. Another friend gone. Ever have days when the heaviness of this world is too much?

One of the best promises of God I have ever discovered is found in Revelation 21:4. God promises His children that this world of sin, pain, brokenness, and death will be removed one day. He promises to forever wipe tears from our eyes…that is an extremely loving, compassionate, and sympathetic act.

For somebody like me who loves with an open heart, deals with physical pain, and dreads funerals, I’m thankful that God promises us a plan to stop the sadness completely.

My friend, your physical pain and emotional grief is temporary if Christ is your Savior. May that promise fill your heart with hope and joy today. The best is yet to come!