Faith To Overcome

by Pastor Mark
September 22, 2022

 

Post-funeral

For every bereaved family, we seek to find closure at the end of each funeral. But moving on after a funeral is never smooth and easy, especially when we have lost someone dearly loved.

Grief will still be felt and memories of our loved ones will trigger moments of sadness. We thank God for His presence that continues to comfort us. The care and concern of family and church brethren, who look out for each other, uplift the heart to move on in life.

Remembering my mom

Recently, my family took some time to remember my mom, who passed away about a year ago. We thank God for giving us such a wonderful and caring mom, and we will not lose the memories of her love for our family. I thank God that Mom is dwelling with Him in glory.

But there were times, over this year, when the challenges of losing Mom returned to fill my thoughts. These could be stray thoughts that come in my quiet moments. One such thought is whether something could have been done better for Mom before her passing. Whether it was from the medical or family standpoint, could we have done more for Mom? But as soon as these negative thoughts come, I learn to counter them with faith and the proper focus. The challenge is to fill our minds with thoughts that come from having faith in God.

Faith in God

1. The Will of God

  1. I needed to remind myself that everything happens according to the Will of God.
  2. There is no point in trying to reconsider whether certain things should have been done or not done for Mom as such thoughts do not help at all.
  3. It is wiser to focus on the Will of God.
  4. The Lord Jesus taught us to pray, “Your will be done.” (Matthew 6:10)
  5. The timing of my mom’s passing was according to His Will.
  6. Her place and purpose on this earth had come to an end.
  7. It was God’s Will to take my mom home to be with Him.
  8. I have learnt to trust in the Lord’s Will all over again for He makes no mistakes.

Let us be challenged to trust in the Lord’s Will no matter what we go through.

2. Strength to accept the things we cannot change

  1. Pastor Charles taught at the Morning Worship about the Apostle Paul finding strength.
  2. The Lord Jesus said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:10)
  3. There will be times when we will be distressed with wrong thoughts and perspectives.
  4. The Lord’s grace and strength can help us to accept the things we cannot change.
  5. Whatever happened to my mom occurred according to God’s plan.

Let us look to the Lord to give us the strength to cope with the things we cannot change.

3. That which is far, far better

  1. The Apostle Paul declared that he had a desire to depart from this earth and to be with the Lord Jesus…something much, much better (Philippians 1:23).
  2. It is far, far better for my mom to be with the Lord.
  3. There is joy and everlasting bliss with Christ.
  4. For my mom to continue on would only have meant more pain and suffering.
  5. Our faith helps us to focus on that which is far, far better…to be in the presence of Christ.

Let us be challenged to exercise our faith to focus on God and the right thoughts.

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