I wish I had on my computer, a picture of my grandmother keeping watch over our second newborn at my sister's wedding. I saw the delight my Grandma took in seeing both of my children, but at the wedding, she assumed command of the nursery and she guarded the crib and access to it where our baby lay. The picture shows the love and care of this woman who was always grateful for the days she had. I am blessed to have the photo above which shows another grandmother with that same love and care for her baby, our newest, Eliana Beth Garcia. Strong and powerful as is the love of a grandparent and parents for their children, it does not match the love and care that God has for us. This short passage speaks to our hearts, especially on the occasion of today being All Saints Day. The day is set aside to remember those who have died and gone on before us. We remember those especially who suffered the pain and discomfort of illness before their death, and the second part of verse 5 speaks to that, "The Day is coming when you'll have it all - life healed and whole." Many are those we know, love, and miss, whose lives were testimonies to our faith, but whose last days were very painful. Their death was ultimate healing and a restoration to wholeness as only God can provide. For us, it should serve as comfort and encouragement to continue to move forward with our lives. Yes, we sometimes walk throughd ays that seem like days filled with fire, but verse 7 speaks of that, "Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine." No matter what it is we are going through, God is with us and the end result will be worth it.
The final victory will be when Jesus puts our faith on display as "evidence of His victory." Live a life that blesses others right now, and the faith that made it possible will be a trophy for Jesus. Your words, your actions, your deeds, may bless someone into not giving up or reaching a point of discouragement. God is with you and will see you through.
PRAYER: Thank You, Loving God, for keeping careful and loving watch over us and our future. We can't see the future from here, but we can see evidence of You present with us now. May that be what we need to move steadily forward towards You, helping and blessing others along the way. I pray in Jesus' name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
