Losing Your Best Friend

Nothing rocks your world like the loss of someone you love.  And recently I lost my best friend to cancer.  But what I learned throughout the process is this: God’s grace is truly sufficient. He can and will take you through with remarkable tenderness and care.  Oh, how great He is and how much He loves us!  Like in that famous “footprints” piece, He will carry you when you are unable to walk. 

The other thing I’m learning is that faith blunts pain.  Since I believe in a literal heaven and hell, and since I believe Jesus’ words when he said “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father but by me,” (John 14:6) and that “in my father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you,” (John 14:2) I know that my beloved friend is living in a realm that is wonderful beyond my comprehension because he too believed these things.  And whenever I grow sad over my loss I remember that even now God is rejoicing over my friend with singing.  Oh, I have my moments.  Grieving must run its course but faith provides a wonderful tonic, a balm to ease the way.

For all those who have suffered loss, God is not only able but willing to be there for you; to carry you when you don’t think you can go on; to bind up your broken heart and give you beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3) Rest assured He will not leave you to face this alone.

Until next week,

Sylvia