gloria

i just received news that my sister-in-law passed away a little past midnight today. i have been praying for her kids & my brother, as well as all the family that was near--that they be drawn to God during this. she had known for months that her liver was failing. this wasn't a total surprise, but it still shocks.

my nephew--her youngest--is the one that sent me a text. he is a strong believer and he is leaning on God during this. he really did make her proud--he's a godly young man and a great father. i am praying for the others because i just don't know how they're doing--my brother, in particular, because i don't think he yet understands that when you die in Christ, you are in a better place. she is now rejoicing and pain free!

my older sister had the honor of being there when my SIL trusted Jesus for her salvation--she accepted the free gift of God. that single piece of information has made her illness and hospitalization and will make her passing a bittersweet thing. yes, we are sad that she is no longer here on this planet to bless and be blessed by family, but i am rejoicing because she is in the presence of her Savior! THIS is why believers can mourn with HOPE! because i WILL see her again. and i know that the end of life on this planet is not THE end. eternity awaits us and what we do on this earth is what prepares us for eternity--WHERE we will be and what we'll be doing.

i pray so much for those who loved her to be brought to a saving knowledge of Christ and not be angry at God. death is not the worse thing that could happen to a person. death WITHOUT accepting the gift of salvation is the tragedy--spending eternity separated from God is THE worst thing that could happen. and God in His graciousness, gives all of those who still draw breath the opportunity to accept Jesus, to trust that His work on the cross made it possible for each of us to be reconciled to our Creator.

it is SO simple that it is difficult to accept sometimes. we want to know what we have to do to deserve it, what we could do to earn it, how it can be that we contribute nothing to that transaction. i think that in our own pride we want to have something to do with what makes us right with God--at least it was for me. i had to come to a place where i was honest about my own motivation and ability--even at my best, i was still so flawed. if it was up to me, i could not save myself, cleanse myself, make myself presentable. i needed help!

i believed in God--evidence for His existence is everywhere. i knew that i was a mess and that left to my own devices i could not be noble or good, and i certainly cannot bridge the gap between a perfect and HOLY God and me. i trust that the all-knowing, all-powerful God chose to communicate with His creation and left me a love letter--His Word, which He preserved for us because His sovereignty trumps whatever mess man can make.

and in His Word, He promised me a Way to Him, He gave me a picture of Himself--He is FAITHFUL, and JUST, and HOLY, and LOVING. His holy justice is satisfied by the death of Jesus--He is THE ONE & ONLY SACRIFICE we need to place our trust in.

the only thing i can do is RESPOND. i responded with, "YES! i AGREE that i am a mess and headed nowhere good. i BELIEVE that Jesus is the only way to You! come into my life and help me live it to your glory!"

i have no idea who's even going to read this and if you knew my SIL, but i want you to know that God LOVES YOU! such an awesome and powerful Being is intimately aware and involved with His creation. He WANTS us to know Him, but He is a gentleman and will wait to be invited. there are many who reject Him--He does not force any to choose Him.

isn't our love and devotion sweeter because we choose to give it? what will you say?