Last weekend (Feb. 10-11) was a tough weekend for me and my wife (and especially for some friends of mine).  On Saturday I was coming home from a Shetek Lutheran Ministries board retreat at the camp.  While en route I got a call that a good friend of mine, Rev. Steve Mehl, from Lakefield, was being brought to the hospital via ambulance because of chest pains.  Those final 35 miles to Jackson were some of the longest of my life.  Steve was later airlifted to Sioux Valley Hospital via fixed wing.  He had a stint put in his heart and another is needed in a couple weeks.  Steve is now home resting, but it still was quite a scare.

On Sunday night, Connie and I got a call that Carol died.  She is the mom of our good and close friend Dan (a pastor at the other ELCA church in town).  We knew she had been struggling with health problems as of late, but we did not expect this.  Connie and I were left wondering who is next and will this weekend ever end.

The visitation for Dan’s mom was last night, so Connie and I made the 30 mile trip to Milford, IA to be with our friends.  I look at Dan and wonder how I would respond it were me mourning the loss of my mom (or dad).  When I think about that tears immediately begin to well up in my eyes.  So I quickly shake my head to rid myself of such thoughts.  But I know someday I will be there.

But what gave me great comfort was talking to Dan the day after his mom died.  He was in good spirits and talking about his faith.  He knew God was in control and that he knows exactly where his mom is and "that is a happy thing" he said.  What’s getting Dan through this tough time is his faith and hope in the resurrection.  Jesus died and rose from the grave FOR YOU and FOR ME.  Because of this great love, we have the promise of eternal life in Him.  We can be comforted in times of distress and can have great hope in the face of death.  Death no longer has the last word.

"And thanks be to God, He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57)

I thank my God that Steve is home and doing well.  I thank my God that Dan and Kara are being comforted with the hope of the resurrection.  And I thank my God for the victory won through Jesus Christ.  Don’t go through life without knowing Jesus, because I can’t imagine what life would be like without Jesus.  I can’t imagine what life would be like dealing with a near heart attack or the loss of a parent without Jesus.  Know Jesus and know and know a love beyond imagination.  Don’t try this life alone, because alone we will never survive.

Thanks be to God…always and forever. Amen! -edh-