Devastation is a Strong Word

Devastation is such a strong word, but I think sudden death feels devastating to our soul. My brother was only 29 years old when he died in a plane crash. My family had visited his family just two days prior, so it was both a shock and devastation to suddenly have him gone from the earth.

Devastation When You Can’t Say Goodbye

I don’t think we are ever ready to say goodbye to our loved ones, but sudden death leaves no time to say goodbye and to prepare for the parting of ways. One moment they are here and the next moment they are gone forever.

Heavenly Flight

The FAA seems to rule everything as pilot error unless the airplane falls apart beneath them. Even then, they seem to blame the pilot for how the plane falls apart. This blaming can add another devastating blow to the pilot’s family. From what we can tell, it seems my brother’s seat broke while he was banking a turn. He was low to the ground because he was inspecting a pipeline for a gas leak. Being short, he had no opportunity to reach the controls before crashing into a forest. He died instantly.

Thankfully, an EMT was driving home and saw my brother crash. He was pulling my brother from his plane in less than a minute. There was no pulse. Our family was so thankful to know that he died instantly and did not suffer. One minute he was flying his earthly Cessna and the next minute he was in flight to heaven to see Jesus.

Appreciation for Life

Though it was hard to lose my brother, his early promotion to heaven taught me several things

• We’re never promised tomorrow, so live well today
• Relationships are precious, be sure and tell others you love and appreciate them today
• Nurture our eternal relationship, because it last forever
• Life is short, sow eternal seeds in ourselves and in others
• There are very few “major” things in life worth fighting for, let the “minor” things fall by the wayside, life is too short to be offended over “little” things

Treasure today, treasure your loved ones, and treasure the gift of life. It is truly a precious gift.

Ashes into Beauty

The Lord says He will give us “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that we might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.” ~Isaiah 61:3 NKJV

Our soul does not have to stay in a place of devastation. God can and will turn our ashes into beauty. He does give a peace that passes all understanding that conquers every fear, brings comfort and a love that never ends.

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to You; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” ~John 14:27 NASB

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.” ~Philippians 4:7 WEB

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound to us, even so us comfort also abounds through Christ.” ~2 Corinthians 1:3-5 WEB

Devastation to Healing

Though sudden loss is devastating in the beginning, God comforts, carries, and heals the broken heart. With the eternal perspective comes a healing of the soul. What once was offensive becomes petty and non-offensive. What once was insulting is now water on a ducks back.

The soul no longer demands its rights, but humbly bows before the King of all kings and the Lord of all lords. God has set eternity in our hearts and that changes everything.

Blessing

“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.” ~2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 NASB

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~Romans 15:13 WEB

Recommendation:

Longing Leads to Great Gain if its for Christ https://strengthwithdignity.com/longing-leads-to-great-gain-if-its-for-christ/

References:

Wellman, Jack. 15 Beautiful bible Quotes to Comfort those who are Mourning. Published November 30, 2019 on Christian Quotes. Retrieved February 6, 2022, from 15 Beautiful Bible Quotes to Comfort those who are Mourning | ChristianQuotes.info

New American Standard Bible 1995 (NASB 1995), copyright 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

World English Bible (WEB) by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.

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