There are days I worry because I still don’t feel like myself. I’ve endured a lot of changes in the last six months, and I often wonder when I’m going to feel good every day rather than just some days. When will Jennifer resurface for good?
And then I remember back to 1996 when I lost my baby girl. It took years to truly feel whole again. I didn’t think I ever would, but one of the miracles of God’s peace and protection is that we really do walk through the valley of the shadow of death. The key word in that last sentence is through. We keep moving. (See Psalm 23) Sometimes, He drags us kicking and screaming; sometimes, He carries us. All the time, He comforts us.
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
-Romans 8: 37-39
Nothing that happens to us can separate us from His love. We are conquerors because He conquered the grave. And that means that even though this world can be unkind and downright evil at times, God is bigger than any problematic situation we face. Not even death can hold us back. Why? Because it couldn’t hold Him.
This weekend is my mom’s birthday. Her first one without her sweet husband. And, do you know what we are going to do? Regardless of how we feel, we are going to celebrate. He has done great things and will continue to do great things, EVEN STILL. He deserves praise, EVEN STILL. His love is the same, EVEN STILL.
So… if you are facing a situation that seems dire and makes you want to pull the covers up over your head. Don’t give in. Get up, stand on your feet, breathe in new mercy, and thank Him for the conquered grave. Enjoy some retail therapy or a great dinner with friends. Whatever you like to do, do it. Make yourself smile and then let the laughter bubble up. It’s okay. It’s going to be okay.
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
55 “O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?”
1 Corinthians 15:53-55
There is a lot of talk that says it doesn’t matter how we feel. And, friends, when it comes to Jesus, that is so true. We must depend on what we know is absolute rather than how we feel. But, I will be the first person to tell you that it still hurts. It hurts down deep. But when our Savior died on the cross, He gave us everything we need to fight. So fight today. Fight like you’ve never fought before.
Today, I pray strength over you. Enjoy your weekend, and each day after, in the freedom of Christ’s victory.
Love,
Jennifer
You are such an inspiration, and a gifted writer! I always look forward to your newsletters. You and your family are in my prayers. I know it is so hard when we give up a loved one on this earth untill Heaven. God bless you, always, in all ways!
Love,
Denise Lanford
Thank you Jennifer. I’ve gone through so many changes myself over the last six months, well the last five years really. In many ways it does not compare to your own pain, but it’s painful for me nonetheless. I am thankful that God promises to bring me through the valley. Sometimes I wish He’d hurry up, but I thick He wants me to learn to be content on the journey. Blessings and Hugs!