Focus in the midst of pain

This week began for me with a funeral for my great aunt, who passed after a struggle with cancer. She will be greatly missed and I share in the sorrow with my family for our loss. My family is in great pain now, but we see the light and peace that she is feeling now in the arms of Jesus. I pray that through the loss of my great aunt I might catch a glimpse of God's glory looking back on the difficult circumstances leading to her death. 

On Monday I also learned that a dear friend of mine and her husband lost their baby just a few weeks prior to his due date. My heart is broken for my friend and I cannot imagine what she is feeling right now. My immediate reaction is to pray and then to try to do everything in my power to help her feel better and heal. 

I feel that I do need to be there for my friend and help her with meals, or babysitting and encouragement. I will help her in any way that I can. 

I also need to be continually lifting that family up to the Lord in prayer. I need to focus on God and His work through this terribly difficult time. I need to take a step back in my thoughts of trying to make all things better and be "in the moment there" for my friend. With God as my focus and His will being at the center of my thoughts and prayers for my friend, I feel like I can help her the most by listening to God and being obedient to His direction for me. 

My mind is overwhelmed by the frailty of life and the power of God. 

My prayer for today is for me and for my friend, and includes a verse from Phil. 4:7

May the peace of God which transcends all understanding guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. May Jesus in His Great Glory be our focus and our strength.