But Then, God

This one is a bit sad today; I apologize in advance.

When we first started this journey together, we knew all too well of the harsh, dark times of our past when we were hunkered down, hidden, and alone in our pits of pain and despair.

We remember listening to and believing the voices that lied, telling us we were unlovable and unworthy of redemption and that we were too far gone for anyone to save us.

We breathed in the toxic air of despair, laid down in the filth of our shame and regret, and accepted our fate.

But then, God.

I love that sentence.

I love what happens after that sentence even more.

No matter what happened before, everything changes when God enters the scene.

God came for us and we were forever changed.

He knew everything about us and did not turn away. He showed us unconditional love, and as we began to believe and receive the words He spoke to us, we came back to life.

God's love resuscitated us - restoring us not just to live but to flourish and thrive.

I am so grateful that God saved us; that is the truth.

And yet, I gotta say, this concept was challenging to write today as I think of those I love who have recently passed.

I wish I could include them in the "And then, God" stories and tell of their miraculous healing and redemption.

Instead, I feel grief and sadness as their story here had a different ending.

I started to question God and shake my fist as I wondered why they didn't have their "But then, God" moment the way I think they should have.

But then God (see what I did there?) reminded me that our healing and redemption don't always come on this side of life.

God reminded me that in the glorious moment of our ascension into Heaven, God does indeed resuscitate us and restore us to wholeness and healing.

I imagine those I love in the arms of God - no longer in pain, fully healed, joyful, happy, and hanging out with Jesus.

I can see the light emanating from them and feel the blessed assurance that they are safe and whole and filled with joy unending.

Even though I am so grateful for knowing and believing that truth, it's still difficult not having them here.

But then, God (last time, I promise) reminds me that they are here with me.

I can feel them sitting next to me, encouraging me, loving me, and showing me the way to God's love and care.

I am so deeply grateful for the "But then, God" moments in our lives, especially in the darkest times.

Thank you, God, for never leaving us and for interrupting our stories to remind us who you are and how you show up to care for those you love.

Thank you for breathing your fresh air into our despair and holding us close in your arms.

Thank You, God, for this beautiful life you have given us.

Luke 23:43

And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise."

John 11: 25-26

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die, and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

Psalm 51: 12

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.