Joy in the Morning

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:51-57; Revelation 21:3-4

Cara heard the floor squeak under her tennis shoes as she followed her mom down the hospital corridor. Her dad was in the hospital again, and her mom had picked her up from school so they could visit him.

“Dad!” Cara cried as they entered his room. She ran to the bed and flung her arms around her father’s frail shoulders. “Have the doctors figured out what’s wrong with you yet?”

Dad hugged her close. “They’re still running tests, but I’m afraid the news isn’t good.”

A lump formed in Cara’s throat. “I’ll pray for you, Dad. I’ll pray you’ll get better.”

Dad smiled and squeezed her hand. Pretty soon it was time for Mom to take Cara to her aunt and uncle’s house where she’d be staying so Mom could be close to Dad at the hospital.

A few weeks later, Cara woke up one morning to see Mom sitting on the edge of her bed. “Mom! You’re here! How’s Dad?”

“Oh, Cara,” said Mom with a sob. “Dad is with Jesus now.”

Hot tears flooded Cara’s eyes. “What? No! I prayed that God would make him better, that he wouldn’t be sick anymore!”

“And he’s not sick anymore,” Mom said as she pulled Cara into her arms.

“But…but I don’t understand!” Tears streamed down Cara’s face. “How could God let Dad die?”

“I don’t know, honey,” said Mom as she wiped her eyes. “Sometimes God allows things to happen that we can’t understand here on earth.” She brushed the hair out of Cara’s eyes. “But Cara, think of how Dad must have felt when he opened his eyes and saw Jesus.” Mom’s words were very quiet. “There’s a Bible verse that says, ‘Joy comes in the morning,’ and today that came true for Dad. He woke up to find himself in the presence of Jesus, free of sickness and pain. It must be a wonderful morning for him.”

Cara nodded. “I’m glad he’s not sick anymore, but I miss him so much already!”

“So do I,” said Mom, her eyes brimming with tears. “But someday we’ll also wake up to find ourselves in the presence of Jesus, and when we do, Dad will be there too.”

-Phyllis I. Klomparens

How About You?

Have you experienced the death of a family member or friend? It’s hard to lose someone you love, and it’s natural to feel sad about it and even wonder how God could allow it to happen. But remember that for a Christian, death means passing from this life on earth into the presence of Jesus in heaven. Trust Him to give you comfort and peace in your time of loss, knowing that one day He will wipe away all your tears when you see Him face-to-face.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 30:5 Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

After death, joy awaits Christians