Drifted from God, & my Gran just passed
Q: I feel lost.
I've been born again for a few years... but the last 2 years I've been drifting. My grandmother passed away 2 weeks ago, and I struggle to talk to God.
I feel so guilty and I want to have a relationship with Him again. I just don't know what to do
Advice will be greatly appreciated.
A: God is the God of peace, love and blessing. He will always leave Gis 99 to come lead the one who strayed, back, and onto the right path. It is the right timing to come back to Him. Lean on God at this time & you will get your strength from the promises and guidance he gave us, for during life's difficult times 🫂😊.
Here are some grief reminders and encouragement, helps to help you through this grief season.
Read the verses in there daily, and read the Bible too. Look at the stories where grief is shown and see how God helped them think and get through it. And trust God to walk through this with you.
To help you... here are several stories that illustrate grief & trials, and show how God provided comfort and aid to those experiencing hard times.
====Job====
- **Grief**:
Job experiences profound grief after losing his children, wealth, and health. His lamentations express deep sorrow and confusion.
- **God's Help**:
Throughout his suffering, Job maintains his faith in God. In the end, God speaks to Job, reminding him of His sovereignty and wisdom. Job's restoration and the blessings he receives afterward illustrate God's ability to bring hope and renewal after grief (Job 42:10-17).
===David & the Death of Saul & Jonathan==
- **Grief**:
David mourns the deaths of King Saul and his close friend Jonathan. His lament in 2 Samuel 1:17-27 expresses deep sorrow and loss.
- **God's Help**:
David's grief is met with a reaffirmation of his calling as king. God provides him with strength and guidance as he navigates the challenges of leadership following their deaths.
====Hannah====
- **Grief**:
Hannah experiences deep anguish due to her inability to conceive. Her grief is compounded by the taunts of her rival, Peninnah (1 Samuel 1:1-10).
- **God's Help**:
Hannah prays earnestly to God, and He hears her plea. God eventually grants her a son, Samuel, whom she dedicates to the Lord. This story highlights how God can transform grief into joy.
=== ==The Israelites in Exile===
- **Grief**:
The Israelites experience grief during their Babylonian exile, lamenting the loss of their homeland and the destruction of Jerusalem (Psalm 137).
- **God's Help**:
God promises restoration and hope through the prophets (e.g., Jeremiah 29:11). The eventual return to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple signify God's faithfulness and comfort in times of sorrow.
===The Death of Abraham===
- **Grief**:
Abraham mourns the death of his wife, Sarah, expressing deep sorrow (Genesis 23:1-2).
- **God's Help**
Abraham honors her by purchasing a burial site, showing respect and love. This act signifies God's provision for future generations, as the land becomes part of the Promised Land.
===Joseph and His Brothers==
- **Grief**:
Jacob grieves deeply when he believes that his son Joseph has been killed by a wild animal (Genesis 37:31-35). He mourns for many days, refusing to be comforted.
- **God's Help**:
Later, when Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers during a time of famine, he reassures Jacob that he is alive and well (Genesis 45:1-15). This reunion brings immense joy and healing to the family.
====The Death of Joseph & the Mourning of Egypt====
Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel, rises to prominence in Egypt after being sold into slavery by his brothers and later interpreted Pharaoh's dreams, held the highest position posdible, under Pharoah.
- **Situation**: After a long and fruitful life, Joseph dies at the age of 110, having seen his family reunited and the Israelites settled in Egypt (Genesis 50:22-23).
Before his death, Joseph makes his brothers promise to carry his bones back to the Promised Land when God delivers them from Egypt (Genesis 50:24-25). This reflects his faith in God's promise to the Israelites.
- **Death and Burial**: Joseph dies and is embalmed, and he is placed in a coffin in Egypt (Genesis 50:26). His death marks the end of an era for the Israelites in Egypt.
#### 3. **Mourning in Egypt**
- **National Mourning**: The Egyptians mourn Joseph's death for seventy days (Genesis 50:3). This period of mourning signifies the respect and honor they had for Joseph, who had saved the nation from famine and brought prosperity.
- **Funeral Procession**: After the mourning period, Pharaoh grants Joseph's family permission to bury him in Canaan. A large entourage, including officials and elders of Egypt, accompanies them to the burial site (Genesis 50:7-9). This demonstrates the high regard in which Joseph was held, even after his death.
- **Grief and Respect**: The mourning of Joseph by the Egyptians illustrates the impact he had on their lives and the respect he earned through his leadership and wisdom.
- **Faith in God's Promises**: Joseph's instructions regarding his bones reflect his unwavering faith in God's promises to his ancestors. It serves as a reminder to future generations of the hope of returning to the Promised Land.
- **Legacy**: Joseph's life and death leave a lasting legacy for the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of faith, forgiveness, and God's providence in difficult circumstances.
Joseph's life and legacy continue to inspire and remind believers of the importance of trusting in God's plan, even in the face of loss.
=====The Israelites in Egypt====
- **Grief**: The Israelites suffer under slavery in Egypt, crying out to God due to their oppression (Exodus 2:23-25). Their grief is marked by hardship and despair.
- **God's Help**: God hears their cries and raises up Moses as a deliverer. He promises to rescue them and lead them to the Promised Land (Exodus 3:7-10), demonstrating His faithfulness and compassion.
==== Aaron====
Grief: Aaron, the brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel, dies at the age of 123 on Mount Hor (Numbers 20:22-29). His death is a significant loss for the Israelites, who mourn for him for thirty days. The mourning reflects the deep respect and love the people had for Aaron, who played a crucial role in their journey through the wilderness.
It was sad to see him die before Moses, and not enter Israel, but he was a big blessing and help to Moses.
God's Help: Aaron's death marks the end of an important leadership era, but God's provision through Eleazar helps maintain spiritual leadership among the people as they continue their journey to the Promised Land.
### 1. **Moses**
- **Grief**:
Moses dies at the age of 120 on Mount Nebo, having led the Israelites through the wilderness for 40 years. His death marks the end of an era for the Israelites, who mourn for him in the plains of Moab for thirty days (Deuteronomy 34:5-8).
- **God's Help**:
Before his death, Moses is allowed to see the Promised Land from a distance, a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises. God Himself buries Moses in an undisclosed location, emphasizing the special relationship they had (Deuteronomy 34:5-6).
### 2. **Aaron**
- **Grief**:
Aaron, the brother of Moses and the first high priest, dies on Mount Hor at the age of 123. His death is a significant loss for the Israelites, who mourn for him for thirty days (Numbers 20:28-29).
- **God's Help**:
Before his death, God instructs Moses to transfer Aaron's priestly garments to his son Eleazar, ensuring the continuity of the priesthood and God's covenant with the Israelites (Numbers 20:26-28).
### 3. **Samuel**
- **Grief**:
Samuel, the last judge of Israel and a prophet, dies and is mourned by all of Israel (1 Samuel 25:1). His death signifies the end of an important leadership era for the nation.
- **God's Help**:
Although the text does not explicitly mention God's direct intervention after Samuel's death, his life and ministry had established a foundation for the monarchy in Israel, guiding the people toward their future under kings like Saul and David.
=====Zacharias =====
(Father of John the Baptist)
- **Grief**: Zacharias, a priest, experiences grief when he learns of his wife Elizabeth's barrenness and his own doubts about having a son (Luke 1:5-25). While not a death, his initial disbelief leads to a period of silence and reflection.
- **God's Help**: After the birth of John the Baptist, Zacharias regains his speech and praises God, demonstrating the fulfillment of God's promise and the joy that comes from faith (Luke 1:57-79).
Even when he was wickedly murdered, in the King's court, it is certian his parents peeped over him. Hopefully they trusted in Jesus and will see him again in Heaven.
====Simeon====
Grief: Simeon is described as a righteous and devout man who was waiting for the consolation of Israel (Luke 2:25). He had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ (Messiah).
God's Help: When Mary and Joseph bring the infant Jesus to the temple for His dedication, Simeon is led by the Spirit to the temple. Upon seeing Jesus, he takes Him in his arms and praises God, saying that he can now depart in peace [die] because his eyes have seen God's salvation (Luke 2:28-30). This moment signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to Simeon and the hope of salvation for all God's people.
===Stephen===
- **Grief**:
Stephen, one of the first deacons and the first Christian martyr, is stoned to death for his bold proclamation of the Gospel (Acts 7:54-60). His death causes great sorrow among the early believers.
- **God's Help**:
Stephen's martyrdom inspires the early church to spread the Gospel even more fervently, as they are driven out of Jerusalem due to persecution (Acts 8:1). His faith and vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God serve as a powerful testimony to the believers.
====The Grief of the Early Church===
- **Grief**:
The early church experiences grief after the martyrdom of Stephen, the first Christian martyr (Acts 7:54-60). His death causes sorrow among the believers.
- **God's Help**:
Despite their grief, the church grows and spreads the Gospel even more fervently (Acts 8:1-4). This illustrates how God can use sorrow to strengthen faith and expand His kingdom. And reminds us we will meet again.
===The Widow of Nain===
- **Grief**:
In Luke 7:11-17, a widow mourns the death of her only son. Her grief is compounded by her social status, as she has lost her husband and now her son.
- **God's Help**:
Jesus encounters the funeral procession and is moved with compassion. He raises the young man from the dead, restoring him to his mother and bringing joy and hope back into her life.
====The Widow's Offering===
Grief:
A widow, living in poverty, gives two small copper coins (mites) as her offering in the temple, which is "all she has" (Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4). This act occurs in the context of a system where the religious leaders burden the people with heavy requirements, & their oppressive practices exploit the vulnerable... making her situation very dire. Her offering reflects her desire to do whats right [even though, by the wicked rulers, it was wrong morally and against what God said].
God's Help:
Despite her dire circumstances, the widow demonstrates profound faith and trust in God by giving everything she had, and relying on Him to provide for her. Jesus observes her offering and tells His disciples that she has given more than all the others because she gave out of her poverty, while others gave out of their abundance. This highlights her reliance on God for her sustenance and serves as a powerful example to us.
====The Grief of Job====
- **Grief**:
Job experiences immense grief after losing his children, wealth, and health (Job 1:13-22). His lamentations express deep sorrow and confusion.
- **God's Help**:
Throughout his suffering, Job maintains his faith. In the end, God speaks to Job, reminding him of His sovereignty and wisdom, and restores Job's fortunes (Job 42:10-17).
===The Grief of Job's Wife===
- **Grief**:
Job's wife expresses her grief and despair after the loss of their children and Job's suffering, urging him to "curse God and die" (Job 2:9).
- **God's Help**: While Job rebukes her for speaking foolishly, the story illustrates the depth of grief experienced by both Job and his wife. Ultimately, God restores Job, providing a new family and blessings, which can also be seen as a form of healing for both (Job 42:10-17).
====David and the Death of His Child===
- **Grief**: After the death of his infant son, whom he had with Bathsheba, David mourns deeply (2 Samuel 12:15-23). He fasts and prays, hoping for the child's recovery.
- **God's Help**: Once the child dies, David accepts God's will and worships. He finds comfort in the assurance that he will one day be reunited with his child in eternity (2 Samuel 12:23).
====The Grief of David Over Absalom===
- **Grief**:
King David experiences profound grief when his son Absalom is killed in battle (2 Samuel 18:33). David mourns deeply, crying out, "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you."
- **God's Help**:
Although David's grief is overwhelming, he eventually receives counsel from Joab, who reminds him of his responsibilities as king. This helps David to refocus on his leadership duties and the nation he must guide (2 Samuel 19:1-8).
====Peter's Denial and Restoration===
- **Grief**:
After denying Jesus three times, Peter is filled with grief and remorse (Luke 22:54-62). He weeps bitterly, feeling he has failed his Lord.
- **God's Help**:
After the resurrection, Jesus restores Peter by asking him three times if he loves Him (John 21:15-17). This reinstatement not only forgives Peter but also reaffirms his role in the early church as an Apostle faithful to his Savior.
====The Grief of the Disciples After Jesus' Death====
- **Grief**:
After the crucifixion of Jesus, His disciples are filled with sorrow and confusion, hiding in fear (John 20:19). They mourn the loss of their teacher and friend.
- **God's Help**:
Jesus appears to them after His resurrection, bringing peace and reassurance (John 20:19-23). This encounter transforms their grief into joy and empowers them for their mission.
### 5. **Mary and Martha**
- **Grief**: Mary and Martha grieve the death of their brother Lazarus (John 11:1-37). Their sorrow is palpable as they express their feelings to Jesus.
- **God's Help**: Jesus comforts them and ultimately raises Lazarus from the dead, demonstrating His power over death and offering hope in the midst of grief.
The story of Lazarus is a powerful account found in the Gospel of John, specifically in John 11:1-44. It illustrates themes of grief, faith, and the miraculous power of Jesus. Here’s a detailed look at the story:
### The Story of Lazarus
He was a man from Bethany, is the brother of Mary and Martha. Mary is known for anointing Jesus' feet with perfume, and Martha is noted for her active service.
- **Situation**: Lazarus falls seriously ill, and his sisters send word to Jesus, hoping He will come and heal him.
#### Grief and Loss
- **Lazarus' Death**: Despite the urgent message, Jesus delays His visit for two days. By the time He arrives in Bethany, Lazarus has already been dead for four days (John 11:1-17). This delay adds to the grief of Mary and Martha, as they feel abandoned in their time of need.
- **Martha's Response**: When Martha hears that Jesus is coming, she goes to meet Him. She expresses her grief, saying, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died" (John 11:21). This statement reflects her faith in Jesus' healing power but also her sorrow over the loss of her brother.
#### Jesus' Compassion
- **Jesus Weeps**: Upon seeing Mary and the others weeping, Jesus is deeply moved and troubled. He weeps alongside them (John 11:35). This moment shows Jesus' empathy and compassion for those who are grieving.
- **Conversation with Martha**: Jesus reassures Martha, telling her that Lazarus will rise again. Martha acknowledges the future resurrection but does not fully grasp the immediate power of Jesus (John 11:23-27). Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies."
#### The Miracle
- **The Tomb**: Jesus goes to the tomb where Lazarus is buried. He asks for the stone to be removed, despite Martha's concern about the odor of decay (John 11:38-39).
- **Prayer and Command**: Jesus prays to the Father, thanking Him for hearing Him, and then commands Lazarus to come out (John 11:41-43).
- **Lazarus is Raised**: To the astonishment of the onlookers, Lazarus emerges from the tomb, still wrapped in burial cloths (John 11:44). This miracle not only demonstrates Jesus' authority over death but also serves as a sign of His divine nature.
### Themes and Lessons
1. **Grief and Mourning**: The story acknowledges the reality of grief and the pain of loss. Jesus' weeping shows that it is natural to grieve and that God understands our sorrow.
2. **Faith in Jesus**: Martha's dialogue with Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith. Even in her grief, she expresses belief in Jesus' power.
3. **Hope and Resurrection**: Jesus' declaration that He is the resurrection and the life offers hope not only for Lazarus but for all believers. It reassures us of eternal life through faith in Him.
4. **God's Timing**: The delay in Jesus' arrival highlights that God's timing is different from ours. His purposes may not always align with our expectations, but they are ultimately for our good.
The story of Lazarus is a profound narrative that illustrates the depth of human grief and the hope that comes from faith in Jesus. It reassures believers that even in the darkest moments of loss, God is present, compassionate, and capable of bringing life and hope from death.
### 21. **The Grief of Mary at the Tomb**
- **Grief**: Mary Magdalene grieves at the tomb of Jesus, weeping for her Savior (John 20:11-13). She is distraught and confused about His death.
- **God's Help**: Jesus appears to her, calling her by name and revealing Himself as the risen Lord (John 20:14-16). This encounter transforms her grief into joy and hope, as she becomes the first to announce the Resurrection!
In closing,
These stories illustrate that grief is a common human experience, and the Bible provides numerous examples of how God offers comfort, hope, and restoration. Through prayer, faith, and divine intervention, individuals in the Scriptures found ways to navigate their grief and ultimately experience healing and renewal.
Keep your eyes and heart, hope and peace focused on Jesus. He loves us and will restore all things to the way it was supposed to be. Pray for His return, fir that day. But keep moving onwards trusting Him, following Him until then. He has plans for you here still.
God bless
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