“I will deliver this people from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. Where, O death, are your plagues? Where, O grave, is your destruction? “…  Hosea 13:14 NIV

When I was about 12 or 13 my nephew Ashley, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It was a horrible time. My sister and her husband constantly commuted to the Children’s Hospital in the city. They stayed at our home on and off. He had his operation, but not long after he had to have another emergency operation. At last, after many months in hospital he was well enough to return home to the country. All went well for some time. He seemed to be more robust and healthier. Plans for a family holiday were resumed and in four cars we started a trek to Western Australia. We all enjoyed the trip. Visiting relatives and discovering new places. On our return the unthinkable happened. Ashley went into hospital for a routine check. While there his heart suddenly gave out and he died. We were all devastated. Understandably, my sister took it particularly hard. Although a Christian her grief led her to a very dark place. She lost her faith in God and the shadows never left her life. Death is ugly, tragic and painful. There is no easy road through grief but there is a promise of comfort from our loving God and that death will be no more one day. God will restore what has been lost and no sorrow will ever touch our lives again. Hold on to this promise when you do not understand the pain you suffer, for God will make it right someday soon.

photo by-pavel-danilyuk-pexels