The past few weeks have been a whirlwind! In the midst of it all, God has graciously provided me with moments for reflection, drawing me back into His comforting presence.
It all started the day after Christmas when I came down with a respiratory virus. There I was, hoping to enjoy the remainder of my Christmas vacation, but instead, I was confined to rest. I was grateful for the break, though I was hoping for a little more fun before life resumed its normal pace with the restart of school and routines.
Around this time, a family friend was struggling in the hospital with complications from surgery, separate from her ongoing battle with cancer and chemotherapy. The doctors were optimistic about her recovery, but, to our deep sorrow and surprise, she passed away unexpectedly last week. My heart went out to her family, whose world was suddenly turned upside down. Her children had to leave their own families to be by her side, disrupting their normal lives and were engulfed in grief. Her grandkids were now without their grandmother.
Then, just as my kids returned to school, and our routines seemed to be reclaiming their place, I was struck down by another virus, this time mirroring the flu. “How can this be?!” I asked the Lord with a bit of annoyance in my tone. I had just settled back into my routine! Yet, here I was again, back in bed, too exhausted even for television to pass the time.
I continued to let God know of my displeasure with my situation. But there I was and there I lay. It was during this downtime that an old friend came to mind, someone I hadn’t connected with in two or three years. I looked her up on Facebook, intending to reconnect, only to discover it was her birthday. But as I was about to leave a birthday message, I learned from a post by her son that she had passed away suddenly in November. She was only 51 years old.
This is life in a fallen world. My friend’s son, raised by a single mother who did her best in tough times, was now without his mom. Our family friend’s children lost their mother, and their kids lost their grandmother. And for me, I was simply waiting for two viruses who clearly had more strength than me to move on and find another host to bother. Life’s dynamics shift dramatically as we strive to find stable footing in the chaos.
These events, though they seem like obstacles to life, are actually part of life in a fallen world. Whether it’s our kids getting sick, a family member losing a job, or an accident disrupting our daily routine, these aren’t just hurdles in our path—they are a part of our earthly journey. We might not embrace these moments, but acceptance is necessary.
As John 16:33 reminds us, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
One day, there will be no more sickness, death, or grief. No more frantic schedules or stress from life’s relentless pace. We will experience complete harmony. This hope, the promise of eternal peace and joy, is what we live for as believers. And the beautiful part of this undeserved gift is that we can also experience that right now.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27
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Love this Devin! Thank you for sharing. It’s always good to remind ourselves that one day, there will be no more sickness, death, or grief.
Thank you Tom! One day no more. And how awesome that we know that with full certainty through faith! Have a blessed week! Devin ❤️
Thank you for being so open and honest about your struggles and sorrows. It has been a blessing to me to hear it. May God continue to bless you will peace in this fallen world.
I’m so glad Lori! It’s through our stories and hardships that we walk and strengthen one another! Be Blessed! Devin ❤️
These situations seem to be like tests – although much more profound – of our ability and willingness – to, as you say, accept what occurs in our lives – to us in particular and to our dear friends and family. I just attended a (virtual) funeral service and celebration of the life of a dear friend’s sister. The event took place in a church in New Zealand. The people there – family and friends of the deceased – were wonderful to listen to, as they described all the beautiful things she had done in her life – to help people – her family and others that she’d helped – as she worked in an organization called, “Tree of Life.” She helped youngsters in Nigeria, who had lost their parents to HIV AIDS, and were then being raised by their grandparents, who later also succumbed to HIV AIDS. The children became orphans twice. This gal and her team gave the children self-confidence and the spirit to overcome those losses and become strong and develop into rising stars as adults.
She faced her own death with a peaceful, faith-filled heart. I learned from viewing and listening to these strong, caring people of New Zealand. It is inspiring — as is your own story!!! I thank you so much, Devon!!! We can all stay strong and faithful through all the tests and challenges life lays before us!!! We have God right alongside us to get us through it all!!!
I’m so sorry about your friend’s sister. And wow, what a faithful life she led. Thanks for sharing that! Inspires me and what God calls us to here while we are here for as long as He allows us to serve–what a joy and gift that is. And while sad, these are the moments that I’m thankful for the good God brings to technology, allowing us to connect and allowing you to attend her funeral virtually. Have a blessed day! ❤️ Devin
My dear sister in Christ,
Times can seemed dark, but the Lord said let there be light. I’m glad you are feeling better! Since you are a strong believer, with prayers your friends children and grandchildren will be ok, they are going through-God didn’t take their love ones so they will struggle, but they will do great things and will lift others up! Be strong in the Lord, never give up hope. Blessed 🙏🏾❌⭕️❤️
Thank you Julie! And how bright His light is! Overcomes all that darkness we have to walk through sometimes. And thank you very much for the prayers!! God Bless you!
– Devin ❤️
Wow just wow!! Such perspective Devin. I too had the same virus and cold/flu and yes so super annoying and exhausting, but there is always someone else who is in a deeper struggle or trial.
May we learn to lean in more to Christ during these times
Thank you!! So glad you are feeling better and it just hit me that we all struggle, all have various struggles that will be part of this life. But gosh, who that can draw us to the Lord that this life is not all there is! Our Kingdom awaits!!! ❤️❤️❤️ – Devin