God, sometimes life blows storms across our paths - or across the paths of those we love. In these moments, when it feels like there’s no way out, or when hard times - or even death - is nearing for someone we love, we instinctively wish for some kind of supernatural intervention. And yet, we also know that nothing in this world completely avoids suffering or goes on living forever.
When difficulty, pain, and loss come into our lives, we experience grief. We often ask why it has to be this way and wonder why there aren't any easy answers for why good things come to an end.
God, we need your help to remember that loss and pain also grieve you, precisely because your will is that all things thrive in abundant life, and suffering and death are violations of that.
You chose - in the form of Jesus - to suffer alongside of us.
So help us not to be afraid to communicate our disappointment, grief, and anger with you when there aren't easy answers or the kind of miraculous breakthroughs we wish for. Help us to look for your grace in those who come alongside of us when we’re suffering or mourning.
Forgive us for when we've let our discomfort with uncertainty lead us to offer simplistic, unhelpful. and dismissive rationalizations to those who are hurting. Grace us with the ability to listen, to share in others’ pain so that we can mourn with those who mourn; and in that way be your hands and feet.
And help all of us to have our eyes and ears open for where new life is bursting forth where there once was only death.
Amen.
