Comforting Those Who Grieve

I was reading through some of the comments on this blog and came across this one:

Dear Pastor Greg,

Thank you for making such a difference in us!

When you came to Calvary of Albuquerque four or five months ago, my husband and I were there to hear you speak. My husband was being treated for cancer. He was so moved by your inspirational talk that he was the very first one to stand and answer your altar call, something I’d been praying for!

Just when we thought he was through the worst, he was diagnosed with yet another cancer and only three weeks later, he died.

Even though his last several months were painful and difficult, he had peace knowing he was saved. I did too. It is so painful to lose a loved one, and I’ll miss him very much – but like you and your son Chris, I know where Bill is now and I’ll see him again!

I am so sorry for your own loss, but I can’t thank you enough for your words that helped Bill then, and me now. God bless you for the work you do. I pray for you and your family.

Joyce

Joyce, I am so sorry to hear that! At the same time, I rejoice that Bill made a commitment to Christ. Now you can know with assurance that he is in heaven.

There is no pain or sorrow there, Joyce. He is in pure joy and bliss. And the good news is that you will see him again!

May God strengthen you in this time of mourning and make you aware of His presence with you.

Hope in heaven

I received another comment from a person who had lost a loved one. I am hearing a lot of these stories now, because people who have lost loved ones always seem to find each other.

Dear Greg,

I can relate to your loss. I lost my son six months ago (he was 31) from a burst appendix. I would like to know what book you recommend to read and maybe some advice as to how to get through this time of grief. My sister says you have a book that might help. She thinks it is Hope for Hurting Hearts. Could you please let me know if it is the name?

Thank you,
Marylou

Marylou, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved son.

One book I would recommend is Heaven by Randy Alcorn. It is a tremendous book that will help you realize the great promises that God has for every believer regarding the future destination of all Christians.

Secondly, as you mentioned, I have written a book called Hope for Hurting Hearts that will bring encouragement to those who are mourning. This book was written in the last few months after my son’s sudden departure to heaven and I have already heard from many that it has helped them a great deal.

I call this book “a dispatch from the valley.” It’s written in “real time” from the valley of the shadow of death, and it will help you be more “heavenly-minded.”

A couple of other things

This Sunday at Harvest, I will be continuing in my series Essentials: What Every Christian Needs to Know. I will again be speaking on “The Holy Spirit and You.”

In my last message on the Holy Spirit, I primarily focused on the work He does in the world. In this message Sunday at Harvest, I will focus on the work He wants to do in the life of the Christian.

Plus, our outstanding worship team has written a brand new song about the Holy Spirit that you will not want to miss! It’s called “Enter In” and they will play it Sunday morning.

Finally, if you would like to read my weekend article at WorldNetDaily, click here. And you can read my long-form weekend devotion here.