Faithful to Mourn

There are some topics which are difficult to talk about. Death is one of the topics. Even as Christians, death is hard for us to cope with. It is the mysterious veil that separates us from the rest of eternity. We can only guess what is on the other side, and although we still have our hope placed in Christ, it is still somewhat frightening. When calamity strikes and our loved ones are taken away from us, how should we respond? John Berridge once wrote, "God is infinitely wise - and knows what is best for me. God is infinitely gracious - and will be tender of the weakest of His children. God is infinitely sovereign - and may do what He please with His own!"

Death will come. But physical death is not the end. For this world to continue to exist and function, death is necessary. Both literally and figuratively, if people do not die, there will be no room for life or growth. These are not pleasant thoughts to think about, but we can put our hope in Christ. God is still faithful, even in our death, and the death of our friends and family. God knows what He is doing, and He has a different perspective on death.

This does not take away from the pain. When friends and family are grieving, grieve with them. And know that God grieves with you. God says that He is the faithful one. He will be there with us in our pain and trials and tribulations. This includes trials such as death. God is our faithful friend. He is faithful to mourn with us in our pain.

Living Life

Faithful in Doubt

At one time or another, we will be in situations where we asked to share our testimony. Or perhaps we will encounter people who are sharing their testimony. Some testimonies appear mundane and normal while other testimonies are very dramatic. They depict people in the worst situations, bound by the worst sins. Then, one day, they met God. God freed them from abusive situations, and God freed them from sins of gambling and drunkenness.

There are awesome stories, but they can lead us to believe that once we become Christian, we are freed forever, God can certainly be instantly victorious over any sin, be it big or small.

However, not everyone will experience immediate victory over sin and temptation. Although we are saved, we may become plagued by doubts concerning our salvation because we still struggle with a particular sin. The problem is that we get focused on the person, rather than what God has done. God makes it clear that our testimony is not about what we have done, but it is about God. Russell Moore writes, "Yes, celebrate those who have escaped the grip of sin. But don't just pretend that this means an escape from temptation."

Christ Himself was tempted, even though Christ never sinned. The belief that temptation will no longer attack us is naive. The devil will do everything in his power to make us ineffective. This includes tempting us to old and new sins. This is why it is important to remember the character of God. He alone gives us strength and victory. He is faithful to our cause, and He will fight for us. When we fall - and we WILL fall - God will be faithful to comfort us, encourage us, and urge us onwards.

Living Life