Comfort after Loss: God Is Able Bible Verses for Mothers
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My God is Able Bible Verses for Bereaved Mothers
In our last post, we embarked on a series dedicated to uncovering who God is. We discussed crafting a personal biography of God and reflected on the profound impact this had on me. Now, we dive into exploring God's attributes, starting with the letter A for a compelling reason—because, why not? "My God is able." This phrase isn't just a statement; it's a promise that offers comfort and strength, especially to those who have experienced the loss of a child. If you're following along and want to journal these passages, feel free to pause here, note down the references, or visit our blog for a detailed list.
Romans 4:20-21: Abraham's Faith in God's Promise
The first God is able Bible verses I want to discuss are found in Romans 4:20-21. These verses spotlight Abraham, a man who received an extraordinary promise from God: despite his advanced age, he would father a child. You might wonder, "What does Abraham's story have to do with me?" It has everything to do with you, particularly if you're grappling with the pain of child loss.
Let's delve into these verses: "No unbelief made [Abraham] waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he promised." This narrative isn't just historical; it's a testament to the fact that God is able to breathe life into situations that seem utterly hopeless.
The Connection Between Abraham and Us
What did God promise Abraham? A son, an heir, through whom the lineage of Jesus Christ would come. This connection between Abraham's promised son and us is vital. It underscores a pivotal truth: if God was able to bring new life from Abraham's as-good-as-dead circumstance, imagine what He can do in our lives. Abraham's unwavering faith in God's promise, despite the impossibility of his situation, serves as a beacon of hope for us, especially in the midst of the profound sorrow of losing a child.
God's Work in Our Lives
The essence of these God is able Bible verses lies not in Abraham's greatness but in the transformative work God performed in his life—a work He wishes to replicate in ours, drawing us closer and nurturing our faith through our trials. It's not about our own strength or capabilities but about God's ability to manifest His promises in our lives.
In a world teeming with empty promises—where fulfillment is often sought in material possessions, achievements, or even the hope of what could've been—God's promises stand firm. Unlike the fleeting assurances of the world, God's promises are imbued with eternal truth and hope.
Jesus: The Fulfillment of God's Promises
Ultimately, it is Jesus who embodies and fulfills God's promises. He is able, having conquered death and sin, to offer us hope, healing, and the promise of eternal life. As we continue to explore God's attributes in this series, we'll delve deeper into the understanding of God's able nature—a nature that not only promises but also delivers, bringing light into our darkest moments.
As we reflect on these God is able Bible verses, let us hold onto the truth that God is indeed able to carry us through our grief, to heal our broken hearts, and to fulfill His promises in our lives in ways we can scarcely imagine.
The Deep Comfort of "God Is Able" Scriptures
Finding Solace in Scripture
Standing over my son's grave, the depth of death hit me profoundly. In that moment of despair, my heart cried out to Jesus, clinging to the hope in His resurrection. I realized then, more than ever, how essential this hope is—not just for the life to come, but crucially, for strength and solace in this life too. The comfort I sought was found in "God is able" Bible verses, reminding me of His promise and power to heal and hold us, even in our darkest hours.
God's Grace in Abundance: 2 Corinthians 9:8
A Letter of Encouragement and Hope
2 Corinthians 9:8 stands as a powerful testament to God's boundless grace, "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." Here, Paul addresses the Corinthian church's struggles, encouraging them to look beyond their flaws and to the grace of God. This grace isn't just sufficient; it's abundant, enabling us to thrive in every good work, even in our lowest moments.
The Good Work in Grief
In the early days of grief, "good work" might seem insurmountable, yet it can be as simple as facing the day. God is able Bible verses remind us that it's God who sustains us, enabling us to take the next step, however small. Whether it's washing your face or preparing a meal, each act done in His name glorifies Him and demonstrates the strength He provides.
Sharing Our Stories: The Power of Vulnerability
The Right to Lament
It's important to share our stories, even if they don't end on a hopeful note. Psalm 88, a Psalm of lament, ends without hope in God, teaching us that it's okay not to be okay. God's inclusion of this Psalm in the Bible underscores His understanding and acknowledgment of our pain. It shows us the importance of bringing our sorrows to Him, unfiltered and raw.
Continuous Faith Despite the Darkness
While Psalm 88 may not shift to hope, it represents a crucial part of our dialogue with God. Our stories, especially shared in vulnerability, don't always need to conclude with resolution or optimism. They need to be honest. In bringing our deepest despairs to God, we lean on the "God is able" Bible verses, affirming His endless capacity to comfort us, even when hope seems distant.
Reflecting on the Significance of Rest and Grief
As we delve into the complexities of grief and the solace of hope, I find myself pondering the profound moments surrounding Easter. It strikes me how the women, present at Jesus's crucifixion, were compelled to wait due to Shabbat before they could visit his tomb. This period of enforced rest, mandated by God as a gift to humanity, underscores not just the necessity of physical rest, but also the space to emotionally and spiritually process grief. This directive from God, knowing the pivotal events that would transpire on such a Shabbat, highlights the depth of God's understanding and care for our human condition.
The Purpose of Grieving
The necessity of Jesus's time in the grave for three days symbolizes not just the verification of his death but also the validation of grief. The pain of loss, especially as profound as the death of God himself on the cross, demands recognition and mourning. This act of grieving is not only acceptable but necessary. It's a process through which we acknowledge the severity of loss and the value of the life that was. God's acknowledgment of every life's preciousness, demonstrated through the sacrifice of his son, serves as a cornerstone for our understanding of grief and hope
God is Able Bible Verses: Ephesians 3:20 and 2 Timothy 1:12
Finding Strength in Scripture
As Easter approaches, I am drawn to specific "God is able Bible verses" that fortify our hearts with hope and trust in God's omnipotence. Ephesians 3:20 reminds us, "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us." This verse opens our minds to the limitless capabilities of God, encouraging us to trust in His ability to transcend our expectations and imaginings, particularly in times of distress.
2 Timothy 1:12 offers another reflection on God's guardianship over what has been entrusted to us—or what we have entrusted to Him. Paul's conviction in God's ability to guard and preserve speaks volumes, especially for those of us wrestling with doubt and despair. Whether it's the gospel, our salvation, or the deep personal trials we face, these "God is able Bible verses" reinforce the belief that God's protective and capable hands are at work, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Exploring the Power of God is Able Bible Verses
Jude 24: A Testament to God's Keeping Power
There are two more verses I want to go through, starting with Jude 24. This verse, found at the end of the letter, highlights a profound truth: "Now to Him, God, who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy." This statement reflects the core message of many God is able Bible verses, underscoring His omnipotence and benevolence.
Initially, I overlooked this book of the Bible, dismissing it due to its complexity and the challenges in understanding its messages. However, after engaging with a Bible study led by Jackie Hill Perry, my perspective shifted dramatically. This study illuminated the depth and significance of Jude, transforming my appreciation for its messages. Jude addresses readers who were besieged by falsehoods from morally corrupt individuals. The subtlety of this corruption could easily breed fear and doubt about one's spiritual well-being.
Yet, the call to lean into God's ability to sustain and sanctify us is clear. Jude's exhortation to look to God, who is able to keep us from faltering, reassures us of His promise to present us blameless before His glory. Life's inherent messiness, hardships, and brokenness can often cloud our hope. However, the assurance of standing before God, not in our flawed condition but clothed in the righteousness bestowed upon us by Jesus, is a cornerstone of God is able Bible verses. Trusting in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins allows us to anticipate standing before God, adorned in the righteousness of Christ, and rejoicing in the eternal joy of His presence.
The Hope of Heaven: A Vision of Eternal Joy
My enthusiasm for the topic of heaven, and what it will be like to dwell with God eternally, has been significantly bolstered by Randy Alcorn's book, "Heaven." Drawing upon scriptural foundations, Alcorn's work expands the imagination and excites the soul with the prospects of eternal joy and fellowship with God. This anticipation of heavenly joy becomes particularly poignant in the context of personal loss, such as the death of a child. The longing for heaven intensifies with the hope of reunion, a hope that sustains us through the most profound grief.
Admittedly, the uncertainty about a loved one's eternal destiny can be deeply troubling, especially when pondering the fate of a child who has passed away. The question of whether they embraced faith in Jesus before their passing can be a source of heartache. While I cannot fully comprehend the pain of losing an older child without knowing their spiritual standing, I find solace in the scriptures and God is able Bible verses that speak of eventual, overwhelming joy in God's presence. Though we may struggle to grasp how such joy could emerge from our current sorrows, the promise of God's ultimate healing and the fulfillment of joy beyond our earthly comprehension offers a glimmer of hope.
In reflecting on the nature of hope and the reality of suffering, it's important to recognize that not every psalm or scripture passage concludes with a note of optimism. For instance, Psalm 88 presents a stark depiction of lament without a clear resolution to hope. Yet, even in this, we are reminded of the vast spectrum of human emotion and experience encapsulated in the Bible, including the God is able Bible verses that assure us of God's unfailing presence and power to redeem.
Finding Strength in God's Promises
The Power of God in Our Trials
The last verse I want to share with you comes from Daniel 3. Unlike the New Testament verses I've shared before, this one is from the Old Testament and has been particularly meaningful to me. During a time of great personal fear, while I was expecting my rainbow baby—the child born after a loss—this verse became a beacon of hope.
In the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego facing the fiery furnace before King Nebuchadnezzar, they displayed incredible faith. When threatened with death for not worshipping Nebuchadnezzar's golden idol, they responded with unwavering belief in God's deliverance. They declared, "If our God, whom we are serving, exists—and we know He does—He is able to rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire and will rescue us from your power, O king." This declaration of faith in "God is able Bible verses" shows their absolute trust in God's ability to save, a theme that deeply resonates with the message of hope and resilience.
Embracing God's Will With Faith
But it's verse 18 that truly captures the essence of their faith: "But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image you have set up." This sentiment mirrored my own feelings as I awaited the birth of my rainbow baby. With my previous child passing away at two weeks old, the uncertainty was overwhelming. Yet, I found solace in these "God is able Bible verses," repeating them to myself, affirming that God is able to bring about healing and life, but also preparing my heart to still serve and trust Him, regardless of the outcome.
Thankfully, my rainbow baby was born healthy. However, I recognize the profound pain of mothers who have faced multiple losses. This story of faith in the face of fear encourages us to see how, through His love, God empowers us to trust in His plan. It inspires us to personalize the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in our own lives, affirming that "My God is able to do...," yet willing to trust and lean into Him, even when the desired outcome isn't granted.
Personalizing Your Faith
As we conclude today's thoughts on "God is able Bible verses," remember, this powerful testament of faith isn't just about my God; He is your God too. I encourage you to personalize these stories of faith, making them your own declaration of trust in God's capable hands.
Let's end in prayer:
Dear God, I am so thankful for your omnipotence, for showing us time and again through these verses that you truly are able. I pray for the bereaved mothers listening, that they would find comfort in your ability to carry us through the darkest of times. May we all be reminded of your listening ear, your caring heart, and your loving response to our sorrows. You have conquered death and are truly amazing. Help us to find joy and strength in praising you every day, guiding us to do the next right thing in your name. Amen.
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