(continuation in thought from last week)

    On a lonely road in Idaho, Gerald Sitzer had his world suddenly torn apart. It happened in an instant. His life was shattered. The drunk driver claimed the life of his wife, daughter, and mother when he slammed head on into the minivan Gerald was driving.

    I wondered as I read his book, A Grace Disguised, how Gerald kept his faith. A key source for healing, he said, was what the book of Hebrews calls “a cloud of faithful witnesses” (Hebrews 11:1-12:3). These are the faithful heroes of old, who have suffered greatly yet were sustained by their faith and God’s love.

Pain and death do not have the final word, God does.

    Gerald says he has learned that he is only one of millions who in suffering believe that God is still God. The cloud of witnesses helps him realize that life is bigger than loss because God is bigger than loss. After months of agonizing thought and much prayer in the face of great pain, he reminds us that pain and death do not have the final word, God does. While you may have to face times of doubt, anger, fear, and uncertainty, your faith can help you find your way through to the God who has never abandoned you.

For more help on dealing with crisis, call toll free 1(800)759-3300, or write herald@abilene.com, attn: Randy Becton, and ask for Randy’s free personal booklet, Suffering: Is there a hopeful word?

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