(1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
Reminder:
"praying effectively" involves knowing God's will. When we pray in His will (in His name), He
may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like,
or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!
It is God's will:
- that we understand what happens when a believer passes away, so we do not hopelessly grieve like unbelievers (4:13-18)
- that we comfort one another with the fact that believers are going to heaven to be with the Lord, and all believers will see each other again in heaven (4:13-18)
Today's prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your words of encouragement. May we know that our believing loved ones who have passed away are truly in a better place! Help us realize that our loss is only temporary, and when we reunite - it will be in perfection - for all eternity. And even better than that, we will be enjoying eternal life with You. May we rest in Your hope, and cling to Your comfort and peace until that time. Amen.
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