Originally published Friday, 05 April 2019.
Surely it comes as no surprise to anyone that this world is full of darkness. Sin, sadness, shame, sickness, and so much more plague human existence. Whether or not the shadows this world casts shades you or me personally each day, it does not take much searching to find more lurking around the corner.
I, like most people, go through seasons of sadness as well as seasons of true happiness and deep joy. Sometimes the two seeming extremes exist together. Most recently I have felt all-consumed by the specific weight of the tragedy that is infant mortality. To me, that is a dark part of this life, and I truly struggle to come to terms with it. In his book Safe in the Arms of God, John MacArthur addresses this topic in a wonderfully, comforting way. I believe it is a must read for all of us, because unfortunately, we all may someday need to support someone who has lost an infant.
I have been crying daily over this issue, grieving for my friends who have lost their precious babes much too soon. It has weighed heavily on my heart though I have not personally been on the front lines of that battle, I have had guttural grief recently on behalf of people who have experienced this agonizing loss. I find that it is easy to go deep down into the abyss of grief before choosing – even remembering – to see the light at the end of it all. When my spirit becomes nudged to carry the pain and grief I feel for others to Him, I am reminded that his light is the sweetest relief and the way to find a way forward.
In John 8:12 Jesus brings to us one of his many comforting teachings. He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Again Jesus says in 1 John 1:5 – “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”
As Christians, we not only get to experience this light in eternity future, but we also can walk in the Light in the present age. Yes, the world and time that we live in still languishes from the impact of suffering, sin, and shame. However, when we make the choice to walk with Jesus and put our complete trust in Him, we are able to “proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9 This truth has brought me relief more times than I can count.
Christians get to experience receiving the light, but also have the privilege of extending it to those around us. We are not alone in our walks with Christ, beloved. We get Him and we get His people. As a recipient of His light, I receive healing, as well as the gift of shining His light into the dark places around me.
I have looked into the eyes of grieving mothers and fathers and I bring the Light of the World with me hoping it will extend to them. I can grieve alongside these friends who have lost much on earth, and in some way, remind them that the Light of the World loves them now, and He has glory in store for eternity. Glory that is not blind to the short lives of the world’s lost children. Light that can wrap them in love.
Those who have walked this excruciating road need our prayers. Would you pray with me?
“Heal the hearts of these parents, Lord, as they mourn the loss of their little one. Turn their sorrow to joy as they accept the truth that their little one is safely in Your arms — now and forevermore. Give them a renewed awareness of Your great plan and purpose for every life You have allowed to be conceived. Give them renewed hope of heaven and a renewed reliance upon Your Word and Your presence with us at all times, in all situations, and even now in their sorrow…
In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.” -John MacArthur Safe in the Arms of God
Britney Bradley loves being a wife to her loving husband, Brian. She is mother to 4 little girls, Ruby, Cora, Lily, and Opal, as well as auntie to 8, and friend to many. She has always dreamed about marriage and motherhood, and is now navigating God’s will each and every day in these realms. She enjoys writing when she gets a chance, and of course, coffee.
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