Taken Too Soon....Now What?

Saturday I will be participating in a memorial service for a good friend of mine, Terry Coy. Terry died this past week from cancer. She was taken way too soon.

There were many of us praying for a miracle healing for Terry.  The healing did not come as we had hoped. Unfortunately, when the death of a loved one comes, the experience can sometimes weaken our faith in God and prayer. We may deny that weakness but it still happens.

There are three stories of Jesus raising the dead in the New Testament. Jairus's daughter, The widow's son at Nain, and Lazarus. Why would Jesus resurrect these three and not others? 

Jesus was giving us a glimpse into His fathers will, a glimpse into His kingdom. He was proving to us He was who he said he was. He was showing those who witnessed these three miracles how God's Kingdom operates. God's Kingdom is one of Life, Joy, and Restoration. We live in a broken world where God's Kingdom does not yet have full authority. Someday God's Kingdom will rule here on earth again, but it has not yet been established.  Therefore, we will suffer loss, disease, war, pain, and death.  But Jesus says:

John 16:33“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” 

Jesus holds the key to this magnificent Kingdom. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through me. Jesus is the gateway to this Kingdom of life and restoration.

What has died in your life? A dream, a loved one, a marriage, a friendship, a career? Jesus is the restorer of all good things. Do not become discouraged. Believe! "Thy Kingdom Come!"

My prayer for all who read this blog is that God's Spirit will awaken you to His Kingdom and all the Possibilities and Hope that this Kingdom holds. Jesus said that His Kingdom is available to all who believe and trust in Him.

"Dear Heavenly Father, open our ears and our eyes and our hearts to the reality of your Kingdom and all that it holds for us. In Jesus name, Amen!"

Terry's memorial service will be held at St. Johns United Methodist Church located on rte 143 Edwardsville. The service begins at 10:00 am Saturday the 23rd of January.

See you soon! Love, pastor kent