"Only Half Left"

But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. (Romans 8:10-11 NIV).

I hope the devotionals these past few days have encouraged you in your family. I have received notes from many of you concerning your joys and sorrows. I will be praying for you and have already responded personally to many of you. However, the following note from one of my dear friends who lost his wife three years ago prompts me to say a few things about the loss and sorrow that accompanies death. Perhaps it will be helpful to you. He wrote the following:

Becoming a widower is for some worse than divorce. Saturday, May 15th will be three years that my dearest has been HOME. Only Half Left…

Most of you have probably heard the proverb, "Time heals all wounds." It is not surprising that people would say this, because there are many afflictions that do heal over time. Given enough time, bleeding stops; chigger bites quit itching; babies are delivered; headaches cease; the dentist stops drilling; and people recover from colds, flu, and many other afflictions. Time also helps us to deal with ongoing afflictions. The loss of a limb is a very severe thing, and it would be heartless to speak of getting over it. Yet, even with this kind of loss, people learn, over time, to adjust to their new circumstances. Some people also attempt to apply this principle to the loss of a loved one. Even as you stand grieving over the one you have buried, they say, "Time heals all wounds." That’s simply not true!

That being said, we are not hopeless or helpless. The world can burn candles, create memorials, and cherish memories, as can the Christian. They can gather with friends and family and talk about the old times. But only the Christian has access to that true and lasting comfort that is available through Christ alone. That’s the Source of strength and hope for the future. My friend knows this. His wife is “home,” and someday he will join her again never to be separated. That hope is anchored in the grace of Christ and His work of redemption.

So, I offer these words in the effort to comfort you in your loss, whatever it may be: Christ will give life to your mortal bodies; you will be whole again! Lean on your friends and family. Immerse yourself in the love of God that you find in others who have walked your path and discovered His grace. There is a day coming, and soon, when all of this will be put behind us in the glory of His coming again! You may be “only half left,” but you will be one again!