Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (NKJV)
Dear friends,
About six weeks ago in Late July, my daughter’s dad (my former husband) passed away suddenly from a heart attack. As God would have it, I was there visiting with them when they received the news (I live several states away). I praise our Heavenly Father as His timing is always perfect. Because I was with them, I could help in carrying their burden of sorrow and for this I am very grateful. As our loving Father ministered to my daughters through me, together we caught a beautiful glimpse of the big picture, the eternal picture. We recalled the promises revealed in God’s Word, the Bible, in Hebrews 13:14 – “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” And in Philippians 3:20 – “Our citizenship is in heaven.”
So while my girls are temporarily separated from their earthly father here in their earthly home, they look to eternity and see the big picture and the glorious kingdom of God where their daddy is, healthy and full of joy and peace. This is but a brief separation, and we thank You Father for loving us so much, You would give us Your Son Jesus, and that He would go to prepare a home for us so we could all be together one day for all eternity.
Norman, my girl’s father, had a unique gift of making people laugh, even at his own expense. May heaven be blessed by his laughter and love and may heaven look down upon my girls and shower them with comfort and peace. This prayer is for my daughters and for anyone else suffering a great loss.
Dear God of all comfort,
Your love is divine, Your provisions great. They are always on time, as You know our needs even before we do. You knew dear Lord, as the time came near for my girl’s earthly father to join you in heaven, that they would need their mom by their side and I thank you for putting me in the right place, at the right time.
Norman was an incredible man, a devoted and loving dad and poppy to his daughters and grandchildren and he was greatly loved by all. We don’t always understand why good people go home early but we trust in You, Father, for Your ways are not our ways and You are God over all. Although their love for their dad was immeasurable, Your love for Norman was even greater because you created him; he was Yours first, before the creation of the world. You knew every hair on his head; You gave Him his smile, his wit, his joy, his amazing sense of humor.
All the great and many qualities this man possessed was because You blessed him with them. And although he is no longer here where we can see him, his laughter and smile lives on in those he cherished. Thank You, heavenly Father for pouring out Your abundant blessings on this humble and loyal man. Thank You for Your perfect provisions. May the Lord, Jesus be my girl’s source of joy and hope during this time of grieving, knowing fully You are the strength of their hearts and their portion forever. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength
of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:26