Corona Chronicles – Grieving Differently

Scripture: Romans 8:28 NKJV - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Mourning the loss of a loved one can be difficult to deal with. No matter who it is, how it happens, when it happens, there is nothing that can be said or done to take away the sting of death except the intense, overwhelming, never – ending, reckless love of our Heavenly Father … our Daddy … our God. He is the only constant when our emotions are going on what seems to be an endless rollercoaster ride.

Outside of losing loved ones to the Coronavirus, many of us are grieving losses from non – virus related issues. My uncle passed away about a week before the official Corona closures and shutdown were put in place. He had been in a nursing home months prior to him coming home for what would be the last time. Now, every time I hear about nursing home residents testing positive, I think of my Uncle Wilson. I think, “what if he were still here while all this was going on? Would he have been affected or infected??” Nobody would have been able to continue visiting him, he would have been alone like so many others are/have been. So many questions, so many scenarios, so many thoughts … but then I recall to my mind how God works ALL things together for good! And just like that I go from feeling sad that he’s no longer on this side of the Jordan to thanking God for granting him rest when He did. It doesn’t dismiss the fact that my Uncle Wilson is gone but it “rubs a little salve on the wound”, if you know what I mean.

The Coronavirus has changed our lives forever. Grieving during this time is different. Going to work and school (physically and / or virtually) is different. Going to the store is different. LIFE is different! But even in this, God is still in FULL control! There is purpose in our pain, we have to believe that. God is all – wise, He knows what’s best for us even when we sit there pouting (like that’s gonna change anything LOL), even when we shake our fists at Him and demand immediate, microwave, split – second answers.

For those of us who are grieving during this season, take heart: The God of ALL comfort comforts us with the comfort that we can extend to others in their times of sorrow. No matter which part of the emotional rollercoaster you are on today, God is holding your hand, letting you scream, riding right alongside you as you continue to navigate the twists and turns of life. Keep holding on to His unchanging hand! And remember, He is gonna work it out for (your) good AND get His glory!! You are His vessel, chosen for this specific trial! Everybody can’t handle the trials that God handpicks for you, and you can’t handle what trials God gives to others. Just remember that He truly knows what’s best for you. Rest in His promises. Trust Him even when it don’t make sense. He sees, He knows, He understands, He cares … and He WILL deliver! And for those who are praying for grieving families, just remember, we are grieving … differently.

Prayer: God, You know firsthand what it’s like to be separated from the One You love. You have felt the pain when You sent Your one and only obedient Son to die on the Cross for my sins and the sins of the whole world. But You also feel the sting of pain when we Your children are disobedient or choose to lean to our own understanding. I am guilty!! Forgive me Father for not trusting You to do Your will in my life. You have purpose for everything You see me through, even grief. You are in full control of my life – You say when and You say how. In our grief and pain, help us to find You! You are right there! You never leave us, You never forsake us, You love us, You care for us … in ways we don’t even realize, recognize or acknowledge, in ways we don’t even imagine! Comfort us with the comfort that only You can give. Thank You for letting us grieve in our own way, taking the time we need. Thank You that no matter how long it takes or in what manner we grieve, You are right there with us … through it all! Working things out for (our) good and for Your glory!! Thank You for choosing us!! In Jesus’ Name we always pray … AMEN!

This devotion is submitted in loving memory of Jan C. Terry and Prencella J. Hall – two influential, pivotal game-changers to the Music Ministry at Genesis Bible Fellowship. You are loved, you are missed and your lives will continue to be celebrated, to the Glory of God!

(by Cassaundra Turner)