“A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of the joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” John 16: 21-22
Anguish. There are days when you completely feel upended by unexpected news. Yesterday was a day like that for our family. We suffered a tragic loss. And it is mind numbing. We think what is it I can do, what is it I can say as hearts bleed from a wound so deep. Life is altered. Pain and sorrow are part of this world. Jesus said these words to his disciples and used childbirth as an example. Pain before joy. We have to endure pain in order to get to joy. We can try to understand but we will not. But in Christ there is peace and comfort. He makes this clear to us. He is our Hope in this fallen world.
But just as Paul said in Philippians 3, I have not gained hold of it yet but I am straining forward to what is ahead, pressing on toward the goal heavenward in Christ. (paraphrased) And today I must remind myself our comfort abounds in Christ, it is unfailing.
Pain is real sweet reader, I understand that. And I cry out “why” just as you might do. I need reminding that we are climbing to Hope. Perhaps you do as well. Hold fast to His Promises.
Just two girls in the woods for ONE.
