HOW MIGHT YOU GET RELIEF

My brother-in law had disabilities but he was gifted to work in ministering to others, including his son, with various disabilities. When the Lord took his cancer-laden sister (my wife) to be with Him, my brother-in-law  said, “I wish it was me.” In this world, we are all laden with problems of some kind—physical, mental, social, financial….We often wonder “how might I get relief?”

THE LORD MIGHT TAKE YOU HOME SOONER

As a true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, he might take you to heaven to be with him sooner rather than later (2 Corinthians 5:8).

STEPHEN, an early church deacon, was taken sooner. When he was being stone to death for testifying of Jesus, and saw God, Stephen said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” The Lord took him. (Acts 7:54-60)

JESUS was crucified and resurrected early in life for the sins of the world (John 3:16; Luke 24:44-48)

Besides my wife and brother-and-law, other members of my Family who knew the Lord, have been taken to be with him—my grandmother, mother, brother, sister and aunt. You might know some in your family whom the Lord has taken home.

THE LORD MAY TAKE YOU HOME LATER

The Lord may have a purpose for you to stay here until later. For instance, in speaking to people of the Lord’s church, the apostle Paul said: For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know. 23I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed. 24But it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body” (Philippians 1:21-24). Paul was confident that if he remained in the body, the Lord would put no more on him than what he could bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). And that he could do all things through Christ who strengthens him (Philippians 4:13). Paul advises people of the church, ^“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

When faced with suffering for the sins of the world, Jesus prayed, “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

God’s Word gives relief and comfort to believers during trials: ” Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:!2-13).