The End Is Only The Beginning

May 4, 2003

A dear friend told me about his mother’s death.  “I wish I could tell you how beautiful it is over there.  There just aren’t enough words to tell you!”  His mother’s words gave him comfort and strength in the days ahead.

To lose a loved one is hard to bear, but death can never remove the memories or the love.

I appreciate the “Life Stories” in the PNT.  They give honor and respect to those who have gone on.

God is ever near, even in death.  “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints” (Psalm 116:15 NIV).  God’s children are precious to him.  God is aware of everything; even a sparrow, and we are of much more value than a sparrow.  In life or death, the believer has God and he is the safety net.  Without him there is no hope.

            God has promised the strength to overcome in all circumstances.  “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither the present or the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord”  (Romans 8:37-39).

            What a promise!  What an awesome God!

            I love to read about the new heaven and new earth in Revelation.   There will be no more pain, sorrow or tears.  The streets are pure gold, as transparent as clear glass.

            We cannot imagine all the beauty and wonder of heaven prepared for God’s children.  Until then, the Holy Spirit guides and comforts.  Knowing this we have courage to pick up the pieces and live again after a loss.

            My mother’s words still linger.  “I see the heavenly lights.  One night I had a dream about her.  She looked vibrant, beautiful and in her 30s.  In my dream I heard her say “I’ve just begun to live.”

            Heaven is a place of joy and bliss and it lasts forever.

            For those who have lost loved ones, I hope my prayer will comfort you:

            “I’ll hold you again in heaven.

            It won’t be very long

            Until I see you one more time

            Among the angel throng.

            Now you’re with our Jesus.

            He’ll hold you near His heart.

            When we all get home to heaven,

            We will never be apart.”

            This world is not all there is.  The best is yet to come. The end is only the beginning.