Grief

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Sometimes the news comes quick. Sometimes the news comes slow. No matter how or when it comes, grief travels in the wake of the news. Grief is heavy, weighty, a burden, especially when it involves someone deeply loved. Grief is not meant to be carried alone. It’s too heavy and may last a while—and that’s ok. That’s what family and friends are for, to share the load. Jesus stood outside the tomb of his friend and wept but He did not weep alone. It was a deep, human moment. “ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted ” (Matt 5:4). If anyone knows how we feel in grief, it’s Him. But His grief did not linger long, as at the mention of his name, Lazarus came forth. We are not meant to dwell in grief, but should leave room enough for it. Let it run its course. Like the song says, “ Every Storm Runs Out Of Rain .” Another song says, “ The storm We will dance as it breaks The storm It will give as it takes And all of our pain is washed away Don't cry or be afraid Some things...

Happy "Knew" Year!

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[by Pastor Bob Coy at Calvary Chapel, Ft. Lauderdale, FL]

But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. --Job 23:10 (NKJV)

"Happy New Year!" Really? How can you be so sure that this upcoming year will be a happy one? Take a moment to look back at last year. Were there any trials? Of course there were, and you can be equally certain that there will be trials in this upcoming year as well.

It's interesting that in describing the storms of life, Jesus always assumed that they would have a place of prominence in our lives. He said "when the storms came" not "if the storms come" (Matthew 7:24). You can mark it down in that brand new calendar that you just got: 2008 will be a year of trials.

Regardless of this fact, we can still have a happy New Year when we recognize that our God is all-knowing. There isn't a single bump in the road that will take Him by surprise this year. Before time even began, He knew all that this year would hold for each of us, making it a "Knew Year."

This truth is a harbor of security in a sea of uncertainty because as we understand that God foresaw everything, we also understand that He allowed it to happen. The Bible further assures us that nothing happens to us unless it is for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28). So no matter what trials you go through this upcoming year, you can be certain that they will actually complete your character in Christ.

This is the truth that sustained Job as he went through unparalleled trials in his own life. When things seemed like they couldn't get any worse, Job took comfort in the knowledge that God knew the course of his future and that His ultimate purpose in allowing these things was for him to "come forth as gold." The place of trial became the place of blessing as Job's trials perfected his patience and faith.

Regardless of what this New Year brings, we can rest assured that He knows what we will be dealing with and that He is going to use it for our greater good. Keeping this in mind will make for a very happy Knew Year, indeed!"

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