Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Jesus said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."¹

A Daily Encounter reader writes, "On October 16 our youngest daughter Susan, 25, (name changed) was murdered when she was with her boyfriend. It has been an almost unbearable pain. We want her back, yet we know she is with the Lord and that he is helping us through this awful time. Susan's sister, Jessica, 27, and Susan were connected at the hip as it were. It's been a hard time to lose a daughter and then watch the other die inside. Nothing seems to matter at times… How are we ever going to get through this?"

Dear Friend, I can't even begin to imagine the terrible pain you and your family are experiencing because of this merciless and evil tragedy. My heart is with you, and I know that it can be incredibly difficult to understand why God allows such evil to happen.

As difficult as it is, when tragedy strikes, even when we cannot understand the whys and wherefores, with God's help and the support of loving friends, it is essential that we mourn our losses so we can, in time, pick up the pieces of our broken hearts and go onâ€"trusting God to turn our tragedy into a blessing that will touch the lives of many others who are also suffering tragedy and loss.

Do not be afraid to weep. That's why God gave us tears. They help drain the pain of broken hearts. And in your sorrow I pray that God will give you loving friends who will weep with you and support you until your "night of weeping" ends and once again you will find joy "in the morning."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you are touched with the feelings of our infirmities² and that you understand our pain and care deeply. Please help all our hurting friends to grieve their losses and in so doing experience your loving presence and learn afresh what it is to be blessed by you. And please use them to be a support and blessing to others who are also experiencing grievous tragedy and loss. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Matthew 5:4 (NIV).
2. Hebrews 4:14-16 (KJV).

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