When Never Turns to Always

Posted on January 30, 2024 by Elizabeth Welte in Victory Call

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13

 

A friend of mine who lost her baby during delivery 2 years ago recently posted this brief letter to her daughter on Facebook. I share it with you, for all who grieve the loss of a loved one – young or old- child, parent, sibling or friend.  As Christ followers, we have the promise that all our nevers will turn to always. To my friends and readers, may God bring a soothing balm to your heart as you read.

 

Evelyn,

Happy 2nd Heavenly birthday my sweetie 🌻

Another year has gone by without you in it. Another birthday without you to blow out your candles. Another year that my heart still has its missing piece that I don’t think will ever grow back until I’m with Jesus wiping away all my tears from this broken world. I’m so glad you are with Him, and you will never experience any pain.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the word “never,” as I use it often when talking and thinking about the things that I will never do and share with you. I could write a book’s length of all the things I know to be true about the “nevers” with you on this Earth.

However, in the past few days leading up to your birthday (one of the hardest times of my year), God has reminded me that one day, my nevers will turn into always’. I’m always going to hear your laugh…I will always see your beautiful face….I will always be able to take a walk with you….etc.

These are things I can’t say on this earth and it hurts, but my hope can’t be in this place, but in Heaven, only because I have Christ. He is the one that makes my never into always. That one word signifies both a task that is repeated, and also for an eternal length of time that will never cease. There will never be nevers again when it comes to my interactions with you….except for that there will never be any more sadness, sorrow, nor tears.

Faith will be sight. Sight will bring immense joy. Joy will never cease, and that brings comfort to my heart today in your absence. I love you 💓

-Mom[i]

 

[i] Written by Melissa Montefusco (posted on Facebook 8/31/19); Shared with permission.

 

(Originally Posted 09/09/2019)

 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.

 

Written by Diane Hunt: Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and is the Executive Director & CEO of Changed Choices, a Christian non-profit in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.

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This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.” – John 4:18-19