A friend lost...

On Sunday, my friend Michael passed away. I find it hard to deal with this death as so many people were praying for healing and a miracle for Michael. The weekend was a roller coaster. There were many times where the doctors thought he would make it, and then it just went downhill. We didn't find out about his death until last night, as his wife had to fly home to tell the children. I know the Lord has a plan in all this, but it will be hard for his wife and 2 children to understand at this time. The picture I chose to post is symbolic of something that we all need to remember. Michael (the small tree and only one lit) is in heaven rejoicing with God and the Angels, while we (all the other trees around him) are on earth in a dark and dreary place. We need to remember that he was in pain here on earth, and will be much happier in eternity with God. This is a hard concept to grasp for those who are grieving... please pray for peace in their hearts and healing in their souls that can only come with time. I thank you guys for your prayers and ask for continued prayers for their family and friends. I also wanted to post a few verses that have helped me in the last few days, that will hopefully be of use to some of you! These verses are from the Amplified Bible:

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find recreation and blessed quiet for you souls. For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good - not harsh or pressing, but comfortable, gracious and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.

Isaiah 40:28-31 ...The everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not faint or grow weary; there is no searching of His understanding. He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength, causing it to multiply and making it to abound. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and selected young men shall feebly stumble and fall exhausted. But those who wait for, expect, look for, and hope in the Lord shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up close to God as eagles mount up to the sun; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.