Friday, October 28, 2011

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Facing the Death of a Friend

Beth, the young mother of two teen-aged daughters, is facing death from an aggressive form of cancer. The best doctors that one could have at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center closed the incision on a large, fast-growing tumor, acknowledging with regret that nothing more could be done to promote healing in her body. The dear mother's greatest fear--that her daughters would be left without a mother--will likely be soon realized.

Beth's eternity is secure; the bliss of heaven awaits her with certainty. Even as we grieve, the foundation for our security is Jesus Christ. He promises us in Hebrews 13:5, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." As verse 6 declares, "So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear...'" God's promise in verse 8 is sure, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." We can be confident that Jesus never changes; His character, His works, and His words remain the same forever.

God loves us perfectly and consistently. As we face the death of a beloved mother, our heavenly Father will strengthen, guide, and uphold us. We hold fast to Jesus, our anchor, and cling to our loving and unchangeable Lord.