But Take Heart! (Week 35)

​As I write this, we are in the midst of truly crazy times within our world, and our country. At the same time, my husband and I are approaching the one year anniversary of our daughter’s passing. I recognize this is a hard time for a lot of people right now, not just our family, and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. As I’ve been navigating through grief, heartbreak, and devastation myself, my eyes have been opened to the reality that more and more other people are also grieving, heartbroken, and devastated.
 
No one thinks something bad is ever going to happen to them, until it does. Loss and heartbreak struck my own home when I assumed I was bulletproof. When something tragic does happen (and it inevitably will), it’s easy to fall into ruts of blame, guilt, and anger caused by our suffering on this earth.

Early on in my grief journey, I scoured the Bible for any sort of example of what I was experiencing. I wanted to find answers on how I was supposed to survive the pain I was feeling. The more I read, the more I realized that God doesn’t promise us rainbows and sunshine, and worry-free life on this earth. On the surface, that may seem like a harsh reality because that’s what we are all searching for.
 
However, in the Bible, we see Jesus suffering and weeping over the death of His friend Lazarus (John 11:35). We see the Disciples distraught and upset with the news that Jesus would soon be leaving them (John 13: 37). We see Jesus speaking about the future trials and turmoil of this earth. He speaks about earthquakes, famine, war, hatred, persecution, and death (Matthew 24: 6-12).
 
The truth is that not even Jesus, God with skin on, was exempt from suffering under the weight of this fallen world. But here’s the good news: Jesus leaves us with hope! Jesus said:
 

• “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die…” (John 11: 25-26)

• “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14: 27)

​

• “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16: 33)

 
I don’t know about you all, but I’m thankful for a Savior that acknowledges that this world is hard. I’m glad Jesus didn’t sugarcoat and discredit the trials that we will all face.
 
However, I’m even more grateful for a Savior who is our Living Hope; Who promises resurrection, peace, and life through Him. This hope has carried me through my own grief journey, and is also available to you, too. In this world we will have trouble, friend, but take heart! In Him we have hope.

About the Author

​My name is Danielle Biddy and I live with my husband and two bulldogs in North Georgia. I am an occupational therapist working with children with special needs. Our daughter Caroline was born in March of 2019, but passed away three months later due to a brain injury sustained in the womb. Her beautiful, short life taught me so many lessons about being a mom of faith, including lessons of overcoming trials by relying on hope, gratitude, and love for our Savior. This year I gave birth to our rainbow baby, a little boy named Jace. We look forward to watching God’s plan to continue to unfold for our lives.

Connect with Dannielle at her blog: www.acceptsunsetembracesunrise.com

---