To: My Grieving Friends

We are called to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15).

There are so many people that are hurting right now. I’ve had emails, messages, and texts from people this past week who are going through devastating circumstances. There are so many seeking prayer and needing support.

 “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light” – Matthew 11:28-30

I exhort all of you who carry heavy hearts to fall into the arms of Jesus today. Give all of your cares and concerns to Him. You don’t have to figure anything out right now. You can trust that He’ll lead you into what is right, good, and true.

If you’re filled with anger, scream your fears and frustrations out to Him. Wail and mourn if you are grieving. Jesus understands these emotions. He understood suffering. He understood pain. He wants you to let it all out and be real with Him.

If you are weary, allow yourself to fall into His lap. Let Him hold you and carry you. He loves you and will minister to your every need through this crisis.

Jesus is on the throne and the victory is coming, but the fight is still on. We aren’t finished yet. Sin, Satan, and all that entails is still trying to have the upper hand. This still means death. This still creates destruction.

Our human finite minds cannot understand the larger implications of our suffering. We most times can only feel and see the tragedy in front of us. We can’t understand why a loving God would allow such mayhems to occur.

I implore you to not allow the grief and pain to turn you away from the Lord. You can be mad at Him. You can be confused for a time. But, know that God is “the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). He is from eternity past, present, and future. He knows every single aspect of everything that happens in heaven, earth, and hell. He is unchangeable. The things you have learned to anchor to about Him and appreciate over the years still holds true today.

“[His] thoughts are not your thoughts,
and your ways are not [His] ways.” – Isaiah 55:8

Though we cannot understand, we can trust that He does. “All things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

He does care about you and the circumstances you are facing. “Cast all your cares on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

You do not have to face this crisis alone. You can’t. But, You can through Him. “He gives strength to the weary and strengthens the powerless.” Isaiah 40:29

Jesus understands your situation better than anyone that has gone through it before. “Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.” – Hebrews 12:2

Jesus looked to the joy that He knew was coming in order to make it through the suffering and death He had to endure. Now He is at peace with the Father. We too are called to run the race, to “take up our cross” (Matthew 16:24), and endure suffering.

Keep your eyes on Jesus. Stay focused on Him. Lean into His strength. He’ll get you through.

Love, prayers, grace, and peace to you all through this time,
Rachel