“Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:54, 55, NIV)
When our pastor spoke those words from the platform on Easter morning 1992, I fought the urge to call out, “Right here in the fifth row!”
My heart was shattered. It had been only eight months since I’d given birth to a stillborn baby girl. All I could think about was the heavy loss of holding a tiny child who never stirred, and never made a sound. Night after night I lay awake for hours, my home hollow of a newborn cry.
My good friend, Tami, sent flowers with a small note card. It captured my heart so well, we had it engraved on my daughter’s grave marker: “Mary Beth Hare. August 10, 1991. Stillborn but still loved.”
Sunday, we celebrate Resurrection Sunday. When Christ died on the cross, He took our griefs: Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows (Isaiah 53:4) . . .” Christ did it. He gave His life for us. But it gets better: the story of redemption.
My dear friend Cynthia Wall wrote about trusting God:
“God promises that if we trust Him in the hardest, most painful parts of our lives, He will create something beautiful and good out of gut-wrenching experiences. Our tears of trust will water those seeds of faith, and eventually we’ll have armloads of miracles that point right back to our amazing God.”
Friend, are you grieving a loved one? You’re in good company. You share a unique bond with others with similar losses. Maybe you’ll have a chance to offer kindness and comfort in a way that only you can do with your unique story. You’ll be in a position to pour into them:
[God] . . . comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. (2 Corinthians, 1:4, NIV).
Pray:
As I celebrate Your life, death, and resurrection, Jesus, I surrender my loss, heartache, and raw pain to You. Fill my senses in quiet moments alone with You. Bring me the warmth of Your tangible love. Walk me through the excruciating pain and dispel the anxiety of upheaval of my plans. Reach deep within and bring irreversible peace as Your calm center becomes mine. Bring me others with similar losses, so I can light the path along their arduous way.
Jesus Christ, You are risen! Your resurrection power is doing a deep work of healing in me today.
Friend, how is Resurrection power at work in you right now? Who can you reach with Resurrection Life?
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Susan On April 3, 2015 at 7:13 am
While I have not encountered a gut wrenching loss, Keith Green’s “Easter Song” comes to mind. He has risen and ultimately we can have His joy and healing.
Here the bells ringing
They’re singing that you can be born again
Here the bells ringing
They’re singing Christ is risen from the dead
The angel up on the tombstone
Said He has risen, just as He said
Quickly now, go tell his disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead
Joy to the word, He has risen, hallelujah
He’s risen, hallelujah
He’s risen, hallelujah
Hear the bells ringing
They’re singing that you can be healed right now
Hear the bells ringing, they’re singing
Christ, He will reveal it now
The angels, they all surround us
And they are ministering Jesus’ power
Quickly now, reach out and receive it
For this could be your glorious hour
The angel up on the tombstone
Said He has risen, just as He said
Quickly now, go tell his disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead
Lynn Hare On April 7, 2015 at 11:56 am
Susan, what a beautiful song. I’m sure the angels sang resurrection morning. And today! Your comment brought joy to my soul and lifted my day. What an encourager you are!
Nancey On April 3, 2015 at 11:32 am
I can’t imagine your pain but I know Christ Jesus does. Thank God, we have a comforter, healer and redeemer.
Lynn Hare On April 7, 2015 at 11:53 am
Nancey, I love that the Holy Spirit comforts us. Your spirit is so sweet. I believe He speaks through you to stir peace in many people’s souls. And simple trust.
Susan Maas On April 3, 2015 at 1:53 pm
Touching devotional. So good to know that God can take our deepest pain and use it for good. And to know that someday that pain will be the most distant of memories when we meet the source of all joy in person.
Lynn Hare On April 7, 2015 at 11:52 am
Susan, yay! It will be absolutely deep and rich and joyful. You’re making me homesick, girl. ;0)
Rebecca On April 4, 2015 at 10:45 am
Lynn,
The very fact that we are still standing strong in The Lord, still singing His praises, still looking forward to the day when we will be reunited with our children and other loved ones, is testimony to His great faithfulness and resurrection power in our lives! Thank you so much for sharing your heart and encouraging us!
Rebecca
http://www.WatchGodWork.com
Lynn Hare On April 7, 2015 at 11:51 am
Rebecca, yeah, I can’t wait for that reunion day. True resurrection power unleashed! Thank you for your encouraging words. ;0)
Lisa Jennings On April 10, 2015 at 11:08 am
Thank you for sharing your story Lynn. I’m so sorry for your loss.. Your a precious friend and amazing woman of God .. Love you !
Lynn Hare On April 30, 2015 at 11:49 am
Thank you, Lisa. You’re special to me. I love you!