When my father passed away from cancer, I was devastated. Everything happened so fast. He was diagnosed on December 7th, and just ten days later he was gone. I have been a Christian for many years. I love the Lord with all my might. But my father’s death proved to be a test of my faith. Everything within me knows "Absent in the body, present with the Lord," but somehow when it is someone near and dear to you, it is so much harder to accept.I spent months mourning the loss of my father -- never blaming God but just wondering why. There were so many whys -- Why had he gone so fast? Why were my kids left without their dearly love Papa? Why was my mom left alone? Why was my father gone?
On Father’s Day after my dad passed away, my heart was even heavier. I got down on my knees and cried out to God. I missed my father so much! Through my endless stream of tears, I heard a gentle voice ask, "Who am I?" My thoughts turned to 1 John 3:1: How Great is the Love of the Father that we should be called children of God.
It was then that my eyes were opened, and I realized that yes, my earthly father was gone for now, but I have the promise of seeing him again. I began to see all the blessings that God sent our way even in what we felt was a tragic time. My father did not suffer long, and I knew that he was not one to want to be confined to a bed. My children were blessed with the love of their Papa and have so many wonderful memories that they carry with them. My mom was blessed with more than thirty years of marriage with a loving husband.
But the biggest blessing of all was knowing that I was not alone. My Heavenly Father is with me always. His love surpasses all things.
~ Stephanie O. Jimenez
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