By His Grace: A testimony of the love

Always remember when you give of yourself from a place of love and often sacrifice it is a testimony of the love of Christ within you. Yes. You have done more than enough.

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

After our call had ended, I went to the Lord in prayer, "Please help her find her way back to self once again."

She had only a short time to spend with her husband of many years. Expert medical advice was sought, and multiple procedures endured, but to no avail. The illness swiftly took its toll upon his body and affected her as well. Her desire to make him as comfortable as possible outweighed her welfare and wellbeing.

She gave of herself with a love that can only come from God. Nothing was too much or too hard. To take a break was never an option. What fueled her knew no boundaries. And then as she finally took her much-needed rest, he did too out of love for her.

Through our conversation, I felt her longing to have her best friend and love of her life back. The feeling of numbness was evident and weighed on her heart. It was like a dream she wanted to awaken from but to know it was real. Understanding her conflicting emotions of whether she did enough, her next question gave me pose. When the services are completed and everyone moves on with life, how do you come to care for yourself once again?

Remember God is near to those who seek Him during time of trouble. You may say a loved one passing is not considered a time of trouble. It is when you find yourself lost in the process.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

I could not tell her what life will be like in the beginning months after the loss of a loved one. The journey of bereavement is a one day at a time process. But what I do know is when you step into the arms of Jesus, you will find rest and peace to carry you along the way.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

Perhaps you have lost a loved one and are unsure what comes next. How do you begin to pick up the pieces and move on?

Look toward heaven and praise the Lord for the time spent with loved ones who has transition to the other side of the veil. Soon and very soon you shall all meet again.

To assure you will be heaven bound to be with our Lord and loved one’s for eternity, a relationship with the son of God must be established. There is no other way to the Father but through the Son. When you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. It is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

Please repeat this prayer: "Lord Jesus, forgive my sins I committed against you. I believe Jesus died for my sins and has risen again. Please come into my life and heart and lead the way. I confess you as my lord and savior from this day forward. In Jesus’ name, amen."

Welcome into the family of Christ.

May the lord keep you and bless you continuously. Shalom, go in peace.  

Bible references: 1 Corinthians 13:7; Psalm 34:18; Matthew 5:4. To obtain the full benefits of each verse, please read the five verses before and after each verse.

-- Edith Nevis can be reached at 857-2200 or at enevis@gannett.com.