One of the most painful things to experience is being abandoned. Nothing hurts more than when a loved one—especially a parent or spouse, even a grown child —decides to leave. It takes time to heal; so much that you really have to want to be healed.
RELEVANCE
Jesus knew that the disciples would miss Him terribly after being crucified. He also knew it had to happen as part of God’s plan. That would first be difficult to comprehend. So, He gave the disciples advance notice to console them. God’s love and grace would provide more answers and comfort in the days ahead.
If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever — the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:15-18).
We typically don’t get to hear from God before a loved one disappears from our life. It was 25 years after my mother’s early death that I experienced the peace of God’s comfort. One day His word on that matter touched me deep inside. Hearing His truth gave me a peace I had longed to experience.
Be encouraged that God does have purposes beyond those which we can understand during times of loss and trauma. Allow Him to comfort your heart, and you will be comforted.
REFLECT AND RELATE
Ask God to reveal His greater truth. Be patient while He prepares you to learn more about Him and His ways, which are “higher” than ours.
REFERENCES
Isaiah 55:8-15; John 14:15-28