Loss to Life

Tears were shed. Suppressed sobs echoed throughout the room. The minister spoke words of comfort as family members and friends sat quietly ruminating on their loved one. A faithful father or mother, loving brother or sister, exiting this life into the next. The loss is palpable and long-lasting for those left behind. No amount of condolences nor homemade meals will take away the pain. It must be endured for months, even years to come. 

Angels await in Heavenly Maternity Ward

You may have endured the loss of a loved one recently. One never feels as helpless except in the face of death. We have no control. No say as to where, where, or how. It's never expected. It catches us off guard. The hole in our lives is huge and cannot be refilled by any other.

However, for those who have committed their lives to Jesus Christ, this is only one side of the story. Because on the other side of our earthly, physical death there is a heavenly, spiritual resurrection! At the same time, we mourn and bid farewell to our loved one, the angels are rejoicing with the arrival of another faithful saint. It's like a heavenly maternity ward decorated with balloons and flowers celebrating a new family member arriving in their eternal home. 

Scripture rings true when it says: 

"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" 1 Corinthians 15:55

Our loss is heaven's gain. And what our loved one has gained, we, too, will one day have as well! 

The author of Romans writes:

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons neither the present nor the future, no any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all cration, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38,39 

While the pain of losing someone seems endless, it is not forever. For one day we will be reunited with them. What a day that will be. Imagine an airport concourse when your sweetheart returns from an extended time away. Embracing. Kissing. Tears of joy flowing. Add to that scene where we will have arrived (our heavenly home) and who else will be waiting for us there (Our Heavenly Father)! 

Celebrate the departure knowing full well that for the one voyaging it is beyond what they have ever seen, heard, nor even conceived (1 Corinthians 2:9). The things God has prepared for those who love Him are beyond what our human minds can even imagine!