Blog – 1-14-21
Last week two of my dear friends lost their mothers (neither one was from COVID). I knew both of these lovely ladies well, and they were beautiful women of faith. Both of them were extremely dedicated to their families and left behind a rich legacy of love.
Both friends have already lost their fathers as well, so they are facing life without either one of their parents.
Like an orphan.
Jesus knew we would have sadness in this life and feel alone at times. I know my friends have a long road of grief ahead of them because of the deep connection they had to their mothers. Yet the Good News that I pray will sustain them is that they will never be alone on their journey through it.
I know this and trust it because that’s what God Word says is truth. Jesus had a tender conversation with his disciples that is recorded in the 14th chapter of John. It talks about Him preparing a place for us in His Father’s house (a verse used at many funerals); it talks about Him being the way, the truth, and the life; and then it records these beautiful words in verse 18:
I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:18 NIV
God knew we would need something to help us through the difficulties of this life. He knew we would struggle with being alone and saying goodbye to the ones we love. And because God loves us so very much, He remains close to us by giving us the gift of the Holy Spirit to lead, guide and direct us. The Holy Spirit is there to teach us and remind us of everything God has said to us in His Word, to renew our hope when we feel defeated, and to help us remember that we are not alone. He is with us….always!
Too often we live as spiritual orphans, however. Instead of trusting God, we allow worry and fear to drive us. Instead of believing what His Word says about us, we get caught up in striving and trying to prove ourselves. Instead of receiving His peace, we choose to agree with our anxious thoughts.
Maybe you don’t do any of these things, but I know I sure do!
But that is not what God wants and desires for any of us. He doesn’t want us to live separated from Him but provides deep connection to Him through the Holy Spirit.
I think about my role as a Mom and how I always want the very, very best for my children. I hate to see them struggle. I want them to be happy and content. And my greatest joy is when we are together. There’s nothing better in the world.
That’s exactly what our Heavenly Father wants for us, to remember that we are a part of His kingdom family. We are never, ever alone.
Read these beautiful words from Romans 8:
And you did not receive the “spirit of religious duty,” leading you back into the fear of never being good enough. But you have received the “Spirit of full acceptance,” enfolding you into the family of God. And you will never feel orphaned, for as he rises up within us, our spirits join him in saying the words of tender affection, “Beloved Father!”
Romans 8:15 TPT
My heart is sad about the grief my friends are going through. I know they will miss their mothers every day. I know God is the only one who can fill the hole left in their lives.
And because I know they are also strong women of faith, I join them in praying for and inviting the Spirit to rise up within them as they stay connected to the love of their Heavenly Father.
And I join them in celebrating the truth that God has not left any of us as orphans.
Hugs and love,
Jill