2 Timothy 1:8 NASB95
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,
John 16:33 NASB95
These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
Olivia died two years ago this coming December 23. Recently at a conference, I mentioned the fact that during these almost two years, I have not gone through a time of depression, though I have often shed tears and experienced deep pain. I miss her every day. A few weeks after the conference, a dear friend was with me and asked a legitimate question. He asked how could I say that I have shed many tears and have known real pain and yet say that I have not known depression. In John 16:33, Jesus makes it very clear that in this fallen world, we will have tribulation, but just before making that statement, Jesus told his disciples that he was telling them these things so that in Him they would have peace. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 6:9 that there were times when he was “sorrowful yet always rejoicing.” What a contradiction! How can a person be sorrowful and yet always be rejoicing? It is only possible in Christ. The unsaved and believers both know the pain of loss in this world, but how they deal with loss is totally different. The unsaved do the best they can to endure and survive losses; but the Christian can walk through deep sorrow and at the same time know the peace of Christ (which surpasses all understanding), and according to 2 Timothy 1:8, the Christian suffers according to the power of God. The Greek word “power” literally means “ability,” and it speaks of the supernatural “ability of God” to face any and all things, including suffering. How did I not (how do you not) fall into depression (the dark oppression and despair that depression brings) in the midst of pain and tears? It has been because every day, the grace (the free gift of God’s ability to supernaturally overcome) of Christ has held me high, and the supernatural heaven-infused peace of Christ continues to invoke “singing and making melodies in my heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things” – Ephesians 5:20. Jesus never promised us that we wouldn’t suffer, but he did promise that because we are in union with Him we can walk through the valley of the shadow by the ability of God, and with the impenetrable peace of Christ ruling our hearts. “God is the strength of our heart, and He is our portion forever.” – Psalm 73:26.
I often hear Christians who are going through pain begging God to give them strength to endure. Jesus doesn’t give us strength. HE IS OUR STRENGTH, and even during times of emotional pain, because of Christ who lives in us, we don’t just survive; we thrive.
Do I still miss Olivia every day? Yes! Are there still tears from time to time? Yes, but for me, since Olivia’s death, the “dance of heaven and earth” continues for, and in me every day. For Olivia, she has been enjoying dancing with Jesus face-to-face for almost two years now. How great a salvation