A good friend of mine went home to be with the Lord. My family was blessed by her beautiful heart and her witty sense of humor. Her loss in October was sudden and painful. I had been out of touch with her for a while, and this made her death even harder to deal with because I have such fond memories of her, not only as an adult but throughout my childhood.
The book of Isaiah reminds us that God comforts the weary. Like a father comforting his child, he extends his right hand and walks with us. He knew what it was like to grieve over the pain of losing someone. We are reminded in John 11:35 that Jesus wept when his friend Lazarus died.
God knows what our struggles are like here on earth. The comfort that we receive from Him during our periods of discouragement can be passed on to others who need it. There are so many people in need of an encouraging word or a prayer from you in these turbulent times. God will use your difficult circumstances for His glory and for His purposes to bless others through their suffering.
Being in a strong community of believers has been so important to me during this season. We praise God together through our storms, knowing that we are never alone. As we lift each other up, we are reminded to fix our eyes on the one who laid down His life for us at the cross. His love is sacrificial and eternal. It is written in 2 Corinthians that everything we experience here is temporary and is preparing us for eternal glory that far outweighs our troubles. Remember that you are deeply loved by our Heavenly Father, who created you in His image, and is walking with you in every season and circumstance.
With Love,
Mrs. Gibb
First Grade Teacher