Rejoice all you servants of the Lord this day! Rejoice and do not be dismayed for the Lord reigns in the heavens above! Rejoice in the good things He has done! Yes, let us all rejoice for though many have gone to be with the Lord and have left us grieve for them for we miss them. Know this that they are rejoicing in Heaven and they are no longer suffering the ill effects for which each one of them carried in this life. Though many have passed from COVID pandemic around the world, know that they did not labor here on earth for nothing. For those who are left behind and are left with many daunting questions and left wondering why the LORD has not answered their desired petitions to restore life and health to our family and close friends.
I struggle with these same feelings as I pray but then the LORD asked me recently this question: “Why do you question My sovereign choice to heal or to take them with ME to be in paradise? Could it be that I am answering their death bed petitions personally and in each situation, I see the need and the desire of each one’s heart as well as all their friends and families at the same time and yet in my mercy I have taken some to be with ME. Just like your own life, I have at times sequestered you away from different situations, people and events in your life to protect you but also to use you for my own purposes. I have heard your own cries and questions and I AM here to tell you that I know what is best for them and for you in your own life and the lives of all those who are on the earth. Look up! Where does your hope come from? Is it not I, the LORD, who plucked you up out of the slimy pit you were in and set you upon My Rock of Salvation. For I the LORD of HOSTS causes all things to work together for your ultimate good and for MY glory. Yes, I have allowed evil in this world but all that evil can do is what is permitted for your adversary the devil to do in the midst of the earth today. Don’t be discouraged but look up with hope for I have overcome the world and in ME you have a profound peace and love within you that sets you apart from those of the world.”
It is true sentiment that Paul writes in Philippians 1:18-26 ESV, to the Church at Philippi along with their overseers and deacons.” Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not at all be ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body , whether by life or death. For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that remains fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose that I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all , for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. “
While we mourn the loss of all those who have gone to be with Jesus as a result of various illnesses and including COVID, or have gone from this life as a result of being an ambassador for Christ Jesus and were persecuted for the sake of Christ: I, believe that they would all share the sentiment that Paul did. “To live is Christ and to die is gain.”
May the good works that they did in the name of the LORD while here on earth be remembered just as they all receive a great welcome home, “My good and faithful servants “from THE LORD as they passed from this life to the next.
Living Fountain 