Sorrowful, Yet Always Rejoicing

Death-

Is not a common topic in conversation. Let alone rarely is it ever discussed on a daily basis. However, recently, the topic of death became a reality. 

Just a couple weeks ago, I was preparing to teach chapter four of Ecclesiastes- when I received the unexpected call. The call that we anticipate living hundreds of miles away from family and friends, but in hopes of it not happening any time soon. 

“Your grandma is declining quickly, please pray.” 

It felt like my whole world had stopped. For the past months, the conversations of death finally hit me. It finally had a connection, a loved one. By God’s grace, I was able to go and be with my family during this time. God’s timing couldn’t have been more perfect- I arrived Thursday evening and my grandma passed early in the morning on Friday.  

There I was, sitting on the end of the twin bed, praying for my grandma, reading the only thing that I knew could comfort and bring my family and I peace- God’s Word.

So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord.  For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:6-8

It was a complete mix and chaos of emotions. On the one end, I knew my grandma believed in Jesus. She did her best with what she knew and she carried that over into her children and loved ones. 

I rejoiced in knowing that she is finally back in the presence of God without the pain of cancer- no longer hurting, no more suffering, but finally resting in the arms of Jesus. She did it- she received her crown of life. Yet on the other hand, I wept in sorrow. 

As humans, not even just believers, we know that this present life has an end. What happens after we die might differ depending on various beliefs. However, as believers of Jesus Christ, we have a hope in what is to come.

As a believer, I don’t fear death. I know for a fact that death has lost its sting because of Jesus’ own death and resurrection. I long for eternity back in the presence of God. However, there was still pain and sorrow. 

I was blessed to have spent time mourning with my family. To be reminded of the gift of life, as well as the gift of death. To the joy of one day being reunited with Jesus.

The following day after she passed, God answered a prayer- my whole family went to church!  It was a miracle indeed! I was so blessed to have experienced that moment.

The truth is that death reminds us of the frailty of life. How this life truly is a vapor and at the end of the day our relationship with God is what truly matters. The suffering felt right now because of grief, loss, pain, is only but a “light affliction, which is but for a moment, working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). 

Maybe for some of you reading- this is the first time you’ve truly considered the weight and meaning of death. 

Maybe for some of you- this is the first time you think about one day meeting the God who created you face to face. 

Maybe for some of us- it is a reminder to “number all of our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom,” (Psalm 90:12). 

Our life is a gift. One that shouldn’t be taken lightly. One that can be taken away at any moment.

God has a purpose for us now and the reality is that there are many who will die without knowing the great sacrifice Jesus bore on the cross for their souls. There are many who will die only to live an eternity apart from God. 

Please join me in prayer for my family members- may they experience the love and comfort of the Holy Spirit during this time of mourning. 

Please continue to join me in prayer for the Japanese people- may they also experience the unconditional love of Christ and turn to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Thank you family for your love and support during this time, I’m beyond blessed.

For now- we are still sorrowful, yet always rejoicing. 

May we not lose heart,

-Mayra Alejandra

❤