Be of Good Cheer

Written by David DiCrescenzo on . Posted in FAITH

As a number of you know, I've been struggling of late regarding the fate of some very close friends. I've shed a lot of tears, been praying and fasting a lot, which are both very good to do even when things are all honky dory, and in general just trying to get a handle on things. Things are never really 'honky dory' of course, but we all do our best to cope with the bad and learn from it as we enjoy the good. 

Those friends I speak of ask why and all I can do is shake my head because I don't know; then I talk to God and ask Him "why...why do I see people you've brought into my life that I love hurting and dying?" "Why do their families have to endure this?" 

Sometimes it seems that He doesn't hear me or them, and doesn't hear our prayers and suffering; and then, just about when I'm reduced to a helpless puddle of tears where it's just me and Him simply communing together, I see the simple little message below. I didn't write it and I sure don't know who did, although I think His hand was on it because it surely reminded me that it's all going to be okay...He's in control, He's got my family, my friends, and all of it in in the palm of His hands. And He's simply waiting...waiting for us to just let go and trust Him. Anyway, here's the simple message:

"WHAT A WONDERFUL WAY TO EXPLAIN DEATH TO THOSE WHO HAVE JESUS AS THEIR MASTER"

A sick man turned to his doctor as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, "Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side."

Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't know."

"You don't know? You're a Christian man, and you don't know what's on the other side?!"

The doctor was holding the handle of the door; On the other side came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.

Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before." "He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear." 

"I know little of what is on the other side of death's door, but I do know one thing...I know my Master is there and that is enough."

My friends, I don't know every concern that each of you faces. Some of you know the friends of which I speak, many of you have friends and loved ones that are in similar situations or may have passed. In any event, I believe that our Heavenly Father brought this story to me to calm my soul and to share it with you. 

I'll leave you with this quick prayer. 

Father in Heaven, many of those reading these words are hurting tonight. It may be a financial need, a broken heart, an illness, or so many other issues. I know and trust that You are watching over them and have the answer to all of their needs. Please let them read these words of encouragement and be richly blessed and comforted, now, and always. Father, I lift them up to you in the matchless name of your blessed Son, Jesus the Christ.