March 14, 2010

Kathy and her two children Elizabeth and Mason just learned that her husband Troy was killed in an automobile accident. Their grief is almost more than they can bear. They had been looking for a church home, but had not yet found one. Kathy is not even sure if her husband Troy was a Christian. He was a good man, a good husband and father, but they never talked much about religion. Kathy is dealing with questions like, “How could God be so cruel to allow this to happen?”; “What kind of God lets bad things happen to good people?”; and “How can she possibly explain this to her children?”

Each year, approximately 150 people die in Bartow county. Approximately 7 are infants, and 27 are deaths related to automobile accidents.

2 and he began to teach them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:2–12

Pray for the peace of God and the comfort of the Holy Spirit to rest upon Kathy, Elizabeth and Mason and all of those who are experiencing the loss of a loved one.  Ask God to use you to reach out to those who are grieving.  Make certain that your church is organized to minister and witness to those who suffer the loss of loved ones.

Pray that God will use their grief to draw each one who is grieving closer to Himself.  If you are one who is grieving allow Jesus and His church to bring comfort to you.