Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again:
Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be
anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which
transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus.
The Apostle tells us that it is our duty to always
rejoice in the Lord. For the Lord provides all we need and His Holy Spirit
comforts us and reassures us that we may rejoice even in times of difficulties.
God is always near and present ready to take on our anxiety. Jesus said to us, “Take
my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and
you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Through prayer we fellowship with God and can share our pains and sorrows. God
hears our requests and guards our hearts and minds, providing us with peace
that goes beyond understanding.
Less than two weeks ago we learned my mother had terminal
stage four stomach cancer. Upon hearing the news my mom asked, “Am I going to
die?” and the doctor replied we all die sometime we just don’t know when. I
asked my mother if she was scared and she said yes, but she said she would be
ok. We prayed with her and she seemed to find comfort and contentment in our
prayers. I have been asking for people to pray for my mom that even though she
had cancer she might be allowed to pass away peacefully and with as little pain
as possible.
Sunday morning those prayers were answered and my mom
went home to be with The Lord. She passed away in her sleep never really
complaining about any pain. Since the news of her cancer she mostly had been
sleeping and it was in her sleep she passed away peacefully.
While there is grief in my heart and in the hearts of my
family for the loss of my mom there is also great peace and comfort. The Lord
heard our prayers, gave my mom peace and comfort and also gave peace and
comfort to our family. As my wife said, cancer may take away the body, but it
can never take away the soul that The Lord firmly holds. For that I can rejoice
and give praise to The Lord.
I have a busy week ahead and will not be able send out
devotions for the remainder of the week. I do want to thank all those who
prayed for my mother. I also want to thank The Lord for His grace and mercy and
hearing the prayers of those who called out to Him. There is no greater peace
that passes understanding than to be held in comfort of The Lord.
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