Our Loss Is Heaven’s Gain
By Pastor Bill Hayden
12/13
As we approach this Christmas Season, many things have changed in our lives besides getting older and being less active. There will be significant people missing from our gatherings and celebrations who were previously very present with us. Some of our friends have relocated out of the state to live closer to family for support and to manage their livelihood for their remaining days.
It is more challenging when community leaders leave us unexpectedly, especially pastors who have cared for many of us by modeling God’s grace among us. Our church communities have been tested through the loss of pastors who served well. Our commitment to walk by faith trusting God’s word above our grief is a constant challenge with the change.
During a loss, it’s hard to face all the unexpected events on your journey heavenward. In grief, it’s easy to lose your way because ‘your normal’ has changed. It’s tempting to wonder and question God about His will because He didn’t give you a warning. It’s hard to hold on to the promise that this loss is for your good. It’s very difficult to stay committed, hearing the conversations and witnessing the behaviors of others who fear the future. It’s hard not to give in to discouragement and trust the wisdom of God… as His will is being done on earth as it is in Heaven.
My brothers and sisters, there is a day coming when we will look back at our struggles with tearful eyes, a grateful heart and a spirit of humility to give thanks to God. We have experienced the trouble of a worldwide pandemic, mask wearing, and the discipline of social distancing. Some of us have experienced wars, poverty, discrimination, segregation, protests and the loss of precious loved ones. It has been a time of learning to trust and rely upon God. If we never had troubles, how could we evaluate whether we trust God in whom we have not seen?
When our loved ones have a relationship with Jesus Christ and they leave us… they are truly in a better place. It’s because of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ… “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” {2 Corinthians 5:8}
Thank you, Pastor Peter Unruh and Pastor Tim Wood, for your fearless faith in eternal life in Jesus Christ.
Celebrate with us at the Villages Community Chapel in Cribari Auditorium, every Sunday at 10 a.m. to be encouraged over the Word of Life, enjoy a cup of coffee and cookies with friends. The chapel is a place for needs to be met, faith to be affirmed and new friends to embrace. You can view our worship services on YouTube at Villages Community Chapel San Jose, CA.