Saturday, April 9, 2011

The Unconquerable Love of Jesus

Today would have been my son Jim’s 35th birthday. My wife and I plan on going out to the cemetery to put a few fresh flowers on his grave and then spending the rest of the day hanging out together giving comfort and love to each other. Even though it has been seven years since Jim went home to be with our Lord and Savior, it sometimes feels just like yesterday when my wife and I received that devastating news of his suicide. Sometimes the hardest emotion to overcome is the guilt that comes from not being there when your child needs you the most.

God has been so good to us over the years and has given us so many blessings. I want to personally let all of you mom and dads out there know that if you have ever had a child die, for any reason, my sincere condolence and prayers go out to you. I can tell you personally that even though the grief and pain returns every now and then, I can testify to you this day that you can still have the peace, joy and happiness if you have Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord.



I would like to share with you some verses found in the Book of Romans that has given me comfort and peace over the years. These verses make it clear that whatever happens in your life… know matter what; you will never be separated from the love of God.

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8: 37-39)

These verses contain one of the most comforting promises in all Scripture. Believers have always had to face hardships in many forms: persecution, illness, imprisonment, even death. These could cause them to fear that they have been abandoned by Christ. But Paul exclaims that it is impossible to be separated from Christ. His death for us is proof of His unconquerable love. Nothing can stop Christ’s constant presence with us. God tells us how great His love is so that we will feel totally secure in Him. If we believe these overwhelming assurances, we will not be afraid.

Therefore, if no one can successfully oppose us (Romans 8:31), charge us (Romans 8:33), or condemn us (Romans 8: 34) with regard to our personal relationship with God, then it follows that no one can separate us from Christ’s love for us. The list in Romans 8:35 cover the full range of experiences that could seem to pose a challenge to the reality of Christ’s love. The trials and difficulties listed in this verse, not only do not separate us from Christ’s love, they make us more than conquerors by forcing us to depend even more on God. Those who love God (Ps. 44:17–22) have always had to face death daily (2 Cor. 4:11).

As believers in Christ, we know there are "powers" (Romans 8:38) that are unseen forces of evil in the universe, forces like Satan and his fallen angels (Ephesians 6:12). In Christ we are super-conquerors, and His love will protect us from any such forces. Absolutely nothing can separate believers from God’s love. The apostle Paul struggles for words to describe the absolute certainty of God’s love for believers. Nothing hard or dangerous, neither death nor life, can separate us. If God, the uncreated One, is for us, and no created thing can separate us, then our security in Him is absolute.

The apostle Paul wrote these words to a church that would soon undergo terrible persecution. In just a few years, Paul’s hypothetical situations would turn into painful realities. This passage reaffirms God’s profound love for His people. No matter what happens to us, no matter where we are, we can never be lost to His love. Suffering should not drive us away from God, but help us to identify with Him further and allow His love to reach us and heal us.

Father God, I continue daily to thank You for all of the blessings that You have given to me over the years. Thank you Lord for my salvation and the peace, joy and happiness just knowing that someday, in Your timing, I will be in Your presence. Thank You Lord… Thank You Lord. Amen.

References: NKJV Holy Bible, Life Application Bible (NIV), and the Nelson Study Bible.

34 comments:

Glynn said...

A prayer for you and your wife today.

Clint said...

Good morning, Lloyd. Your blog is a ministry, and your story today touches me deeply. Thank you for your testimony, which will hold meaning for others. I pray for you and your wife today.

The Unknowngnome said...

Praying you both peace and comfort this day and all your days that may follow.

Unseparable!

Pamela said...

When my daughter died, a friend who lost a son told us, "You will never get over her death but you can get through it." How true. With God carrying us we got through those first few years of pain. I often wonder what grieving parents do without the Lord's presence.

I'm praying for you and your wife today that peace will cover the pain.

Blessings,
Pamela

Donald Fishgrab said...

May your day be one of really drawing close to the Lord. My first son was stillborn, People say you can't miss what you've never had. There are still times of longing to know him. I'm glad God doesn't leave us to feel the hurt alone.

Gorges Smythe said...

The music on your blog made a wonderful background for the prayer I said for you. May God bless you and your wife this day and always.

Richard Hobart said...

I am so glad that someone other than myself holds to the truth that our salvation is an eternal salvation; if I am "guilty" of falling into the category of eternal security believing, then so be it.
I like your blog, would you please visit is mine
Richard Hobart

Richard Hobart said...

Your blog is filled with warmth and love. I feel like I am right at home with every post. Thank You!
I like your blog, would you please visit is mine Richard Hobart

Cindy Ellison said...

Lloyd, prayers have been said for you and your wife.

Anonymous said...

I pray you would fel God's presence as you remember your son today. Thanks for sharing such a personl story. Your blog is a blessing!

Anonymous said...

Lloyd,

I'm so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you and your wife today.

I also want to thank you for reminding us of the immensity of God's love. I can testify that what you say is true not only because I believe the scripture references are true but God has revealed His love to me and my husband very clearly in the darkest times.

Praying you folks feel His peace that passes understanding even on this emotional day.

Mrs. A

Unknown said...

So sorry for your loss, but rejoicing in how God has strengthened you.

Crown of Beauty said...

Hi Lloyd,
Thank you for this post. Praying for God's continued comfort, peace, and strength to be on you and your wife...

Your story is a testimony to His faithfulness.

Blessings,
Lidj

Susan Kane said...

Many prayers for you and your wife.
This week we buried my mother. I put flowers on the graves of my two brothers who died at 46 and 44. Losing a child is something no one can fully appreciate, unless they have been there.

Iveraldo said...

O que dói e não conseguimos aceitar é o fato de que não fomos criados para morrer, mesmo sendo cristãos ...
A morte não estava nos planos de Deus.
I Peter 5:10
E o Deus de toda a graça, que em Cristo Jesus vos chamou à sua eterna glória, depois de haverdes padecido um pouco, ele mesmo vos aperfeiçoará, confirmará, fortificará e fortalecerá.

Alessandra said...

I love your blog and the music. Surely, God is comforting you in this time of sadness. My thoughts are with you and your wife.

John Savage said...

The post was right on point! God sure knows how to comfort us through his word. Even the words/music playing in the background refreshes the soul and strengthens the spirit for the journey ahead. Be Blessed!!!

RCUBEs said...

Thanks be to God for the hope He gives us. May His comfort always be with you. God bless.

Solid Rock or Sinking Sand said...

I want to personally thank each one of you for your heartfelt comments and all of your prayers.

I want to especially lift up those of you who have lost loved ones. Jesus told us to come to Him and He would give us rest.... my prayers are going out to all of you. God's blessings. Lloyd

Spoken Word Poems said...

Many prayers for you and your wife!


You will always be in my heart: http://marinelareka.com/?p=2791

Phyl Lippy said...

Hi Lloyd,

First of all, thank you for reading and commenting on my blog- A Marriage Made in Heaven, and for directing me to yours. I love it, what a blessing. Thank you for your vulnerability in sharing about Jim. You must miss him so. The Lord gave me these verses for you and your wife, which I hope are comforting: "I can never escape from your spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the place of the dead, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me" (Psalm 139: 7-10, NLT).

God bless you and keep up the good writing and info,

Phyl

Unknown said...

I am so sorry you have had to endure this pain. But so thankful you have the wonderful hope Christ offers us. Your reflections about God's unwavering devotion and love for His children are an indication that your faith is strong and steadfast in spite of your struggles - you continue to walk with Him and serve Him with all your heart. May you experience His peace today and His incredible love. My prayers are for comfort.

Lisa said...

God bless you and your wife Lloyd...remembering you in my prayers...

Lisa

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

Oh Lloyd, How sad for both of you. We greave and that is a natural process. Having a child die is so sad, and I believe more so when you have known them. I had a young babe die and it took me years to even speak of it. The pain returns when we remember. The good thing is Gods wonderful promises. Much love to you and your wife. God Bless you both with a peace only He can give.

1ofHis said...

I know what you mean about when you say the hardest emotion is guilt. I lost my father in a tragic car accident when I was 18. We had a huge argument the night before he was killed. God has set me free from the guilt. Enjoyed your blog.

1ofHis said...

I wanted to invite you to drop in on my blog. We feel the same about suffering. My daughter was diagnosed with a highly malignanet brain tumor at 21 months. Doctors offered us little hope for long-term survival. She is now 16. She has many side effects from treatment, but God has taught us so much through our suffering. My husband and I became Christians though it all. God Bless!

Anonymous said...

Lloyd - am I glad you left a comment on my blog! I absolutly LOVED this post - just what I needed today. My our loving Lord and Saviour continue to bless and comfort you.
Blessings in Christ
Shirley

WORLASI said...

God be with you and your family Lloyd and may He continue to give you the peace that is above all understanding and happiness. We go with you through this period of rememberance and share your pain as well.
God bless you.

Jocey said...

Death is so hard, and I do not know how people make it without the Lord. I am praying for you and your wife as you remember him and cherish the memories that invade your mind and thoughts. My aunt and uncle died in an 18-wheeler accident right before my senior year of high school. Grief can do so many things to a person, but we have such a beautiful God who loves to heal! Blessings to you, and keep up the good work!

The Spiritual Hobo said...

Hi Lloyd and family,

Your wonderful son is well remembered. May his spirit be at peace and his soul be growing stronger through out each and every moment of eternity.

Never let the light from your son go down on you, we are all aliens in this world. Birds of a feather flock together and so it will be for you all again someday.

Signed, hobo

A multi-dimensional life said...

Dear Lloyd, My heart goes out to you and your wife. I can't imagine the grief you felt and although time helps, I'm sure there is always pain when you think of what happened...but I pray that the memories of his life and your time with him will bring you joy. Thank you for sharing. You are a shining example to all of us.

Gail Nobles said...

Great Blog!!

Jeremy McCool said...

That is a gut-wrenching story. My children are still very young and I often try to push aside thoughts that they will face the same kinds of things I faced when they get older. I can raise them better than my parents raised me, I say to myself. The truth is, though, that we live in a fallen world. God has redeemed those of us who will accept His redemption. And that is essentially all we ever need know. God bless you guys for digging into God in the face of such tragedy and for being wise enough to go to the only place where there is true peace (and for being an inspiration to the rest of us).

Anonymous said...

Happy Heavenly Birthday to your son! I relate to the guilt after the death of a child. 12-18-196 my oldest son died in an automobile accident ..he was 22...would be 37 this coming June 3. Every harsh word, or a spanking that may have been to hard ...every "no" just about has rused through my head ..it is amazing how the "spirit of grief" come to rob from us life...yes I mourned my son, I miss him still but the Lord was and is my stronghold against the spirit of grief...Craig is safe and in a far better dwelling than you or I...
Thank you for your invitation to follow your site...always love it when a brother or sister in the Lord reaches out to me with an invitation...looking forward to getting to know you and your family..oh btw my son, his name was Craig....good kid he was! Making a better angel of the Lord..