I recently experienced the loss of four loved ones during a seven month period. It was a surreal time, and I hated going in to tell my boss what was going on in my life. I bet he thought that no one could make up something this crazy just to get out of work. I wondered if people would be afraid to be around me since death and dying was so frequently affecting my loved ones. During this rocky time, my husband was out of town taking care of his ailing father, who also recently left us to accept his promotion in eternity – death number five. It was a bit much, and, like McCauley Culkin in the movie, I was home completely alone.
I couldn’t help but wonder, “why, God, why?” “Why are you taking so many of my loved ones at this time?” I began to understand how fragile and fleeting this life is here on earth. I heard someone say that we often treat this life as if we’re humans having a spiritual encounter, when in fact we’re really spirits having a brief human encounter. This statement alone gave me peace to understand that the bodies we occupy now are but temporary, and that at least our eternal bodies must be glorious and feel more like home.
Overall, my recent experience surrounded by so much death and dying solidified several truths that I’d heard, but hadn’t grasped or practiced at a higher level. Here they are:
1. Be nice to everyone and practice empathy; there really isn’t ever any good reason to be mean or vengeful. It may not always seem natural to operate out of mercy and love rather than out of judgment and contempt, but the spiritual benefits are enormous. There are enough negative people in the world who are looking to criticize others that you don’t need to criticize, too. Remember that even though we have our golden ticket to eternity based on our belief that Christ is the Son of God, we are still accountable for our actions.
2. Make peace and forgive those that have hurt you, even if you feel that you didn’t do anything wrong. Step up, grow up, and offer the olive branch of peace. Think about how bad you’ll feel when your friend or family member dies and you didn’t have a chance to make amends. You have a choice to live a life free from the pain of unforgiveness. Think about the ultimate model for forgiveness – Jesus. He didn’t come back and seek out those that persecuted and put Him to death to get even. In fact, even while on the cross, He asked His father to “forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34.
3. Remember that you aren’t alone – God is with you so press into Him! During this painful time I had so many people tell me how strong they thought I was. I told them that if I looked strong it was because I was being held up by our heavenly Father. I’ve never been more aware of the protection, peace, and compassion of God than during this time. I surrounded myself with excellent spiritual manna such as truth-teaching TV programs, the word of God, my Christ loving brethren, and daily telephone prayer with my husband.
4. Protect your spirit by only spending time with people who lift you up or who encourage you to be your best. Limit time with the people who drain your energy, push your buttons, or criticize you, even if they are family. These are the people that the enemy will use to push you into sinful and unlovely behavior. People may not remember when you walked away exuding mercy and grace, but they will always remember the one time that you snapped. Don’t give the enemy a foothold just because you didn’t bridle your tongue.
5. Shine up your spiritual armor. Study Ephesians 6:10-20, and remember that Ephesians 6:12 tells us “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” It’s important for us to remember that although we’re in a war, we don’t have to become a victim or hostage in that war. Every day I asked the Lord to protect me from the evil one and to help me walk in love.
6. Resist the urge to complain and whine about what you’re going through. Remember that your heavenly Father will use everything for his Glory, and that when you come through the fire you will be blessed and will have grown spiritually! I can’t easily explain why bad things happen to anyone – let alone good people – but I can say that those who keep a good attitude and keep their focus on God will come through like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in Daniel 3:12-27, who emerged from the fire without even the smell of smoke upon them.
7. Treat yourself kindly. Exercise and eat good quality, healthy food. My doctor has been working very closely with me during this time to make sure that I’m rested and feeding my immune and adrenal systems. The one big thing she keeps stressing is for me to eat high quality, nutritious food. So resist the urge to eat “comfort food” and stay away from sugar, fast food, and processed foods. Eat more fruits, vegetables and good organic meats. Also, treat yourself occasionally to your favorite relaxing activity. Personally speaking, I love a good spa visit for a pedicure, facial or massage.
Tough times don’t have to beat you down. Do the natural by taking care of yourself, and the supernatural by relying on God for the rest, and even the hardest times will help you grow spiritually and help to continue in your ministry to others! People notice how others handle difficult situations, so let them start taking notes about you!
Be Blessed
Denise and Tim
Arming the Saints Ministries
Arming The Saints Blog 