"God At Work"

I buried my friend yesterday. It was rather amazing to me. I saw people hurting and there was a sadness but I just couldn't help marvel. I tried to encourage those in attendance to look at the big picture. That's what I saw. A man of humble means, never was a public figure and called no attention to himself. A man that humbly walked with his Lord and had no 'flash or dash' about him. He raised his two sons to love the Lord above all and his wife is the example of the worthy woman in Proverbs 31. At the visitation, they had more than 1000 people attend. That was astounding for a man of such a humble life. The funeral was standing room only. The procession to the grave site was said it was the largest procession they had ever had from such a 'common' man. It made me realize the impact of one family in this life living so quietly and faithfully.

But in all the above, that's not what drew my attention. I saw God working! With the tears and heavy hearts, God was calling but many could not hear Him. He was speaking about eternal things, calling us to prepare our lives knowing that all of us will end with this same fate unless the Lord comes first. I can't tell you the number of people, friends from years gone by came up to me and said how great it was to see me but not under these circumstances. I wonder, "Why not?" It was great having a reunion under these circumstances. My friend was safe and sound. He is in reality. It was God trying to speak to the rest of us living in the temporal. Stories were shared as people wiped tears from their eyes but God was speaking. I heard Jesus, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26) That was the question that was being asked, "Do you believe this?" I couldn't get those words out of my mind! No one read these verses but they were clear in my mind. God was calling through Jesus!

I was encouraged by the day. I was so thankful for my dear friend and family. It made me realize how real things are, eternity is awaiting and one day in the near future, my time too will come where I will be escorted by my Lord into the eternal place prepared. Please, don't weep for me...God is at work!