Twists & Turns

The journey of life can sometimes be a funny thing. There are times when the journey is smooth. So smooth in fact that it feels as though you are gliding through it. There is laughter and joy, encouragement and excitement; a fun journey!

Sometimes though, you hit a bump or come up to some twists and turns that seem too much for you to handle. So much so that you feel like you’re skidding off the road into what feels like a massive abyss. Those twists and turns come in many forms: financial difficulties, loss of jobs, broken relationships, death and so much more.

Last week, my journey of life was interrupted by some big twists, in the form of death. The death of a dear friend, at the age of 37 (I share this only as it just seems too young to die) and 5 days later the death of my grandfather. In a week in which there was business, stress, arguments and just life’s difficulties came these two big twists. I’m often a big fan of a plot twist in a film or book, but this time I simply wasn’t up for it.

My friend’s celebration of life service took place on Thursday night (21/09/17) at 9 pm GMT. This was just over 2 hours after I received the news of my grandfather’s passing. It was an emotional night. Thanks to some incredible people at CrossRoads Church in Jacksonville, Fl, I, along with another 58 other people were able to share in this celebration via social media live video streaming.

My wife and I, sat in the living room, watching our television, laughing, crying and in silence. While it was a celebration for one, I couldn’t help but celebrate both in my head. However, I was upset… As positive and great as my memories are of these two amazing men, they’re gone. And so, I had some words with God.

This might not be your typical response or maybe, you would have done it sooner. In my prayer, I had the words from 1 Corinthians 15:55 come into thought: ‘Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’ You see as a Christian I believe that Jesus came, so that anyone who believes in Him, shall not die, but have eternal life (this is, of course, John 3:16, one of the best-known passages of the Bible). Suddenly, I felt overcome by God in a true reminder and comfort that both of these men knew God. I was reminded of the reason Jesus came, that they be able to have eternal life with God; that you and I, when our time comes, can have eternity with our maker, saviour, with our Father in Heaven.

That reality is one to rejoice over, to celebrate. And it’s a reality that does take away the sting of death.

Please don’t misunderstand my words, I am still sad. VERY sad. But, even in that sadness, I have a strange joy, because I know that it’s not the end for them.

The twists and turns on the journey of life bring perspective. Maybe you’re going through some twists and turns. Can I encourage to take a moment to pray, and see what God’s perspective might be? If that’s new to you, I know that can seem weird and scary, and maybe you want to pray with someone (I’m happy to be that person if you’d like). 

Wherever you are on your journey, I believe that there is more to your life than just this life, that’s part of the promise we have in Jesus. If you don’t yet know that promise, I would love the opportunity to meet up with you. Maybe the sting can be taken out of your twist and turn!

If you have a few minutes, check out this song by Charlie Hall: Into Marvelous Light.