Even though Jacob was reunited with his son, Joseph, it was after years of heartache, believing that he was killed by a wild beast. Undoubtedly, not a day went by when he did not think of his lost son. Imagine the pain that Jacob must have carried with him every day. In this respect, his story is the story of so many of us. It also has an ending that we all hope to experience.
If you are among those who have lost a child through death, know that God is very close to you. Even during your darkest moments of grief and sadness, your heavenly Father is there. He may be standing by you silently. He may be holding you in his arms. Or he may be encouraging and consoling you through another person. But he is there. He knows your pain, regardless of how many years have passed, and he is committed to helping you and consoling you.
If you have experienced the loss of a child through emotional distance, division, or other kinds of dysfunction, never give up. Keep praying for your child. Whatever the degree of estrangement or distance, you can trust that your Father is at work in both your hearts. You may not know how it will happen, but God really does want to bring you down to Egypt so that you can be reunited. So keep praying, keep hoping, and keep looking for opportunities for reunion. ?No matter what your situation, always believe that God is with you. Remember, he lost his only Son to death as well, so that we could be saved. Imagine what it cost him to see his beloved Son ridiculed, beaten, abandoned by his friends, and ultimately crucified. He knows what it is like to grieve, so let him help you. Believe, too, that there is a resurrection, when every tear will be wiped away and every family will be reunited. May the Lord bring us all together as one in him!
Father, we lift up to you every lost child and every grieving parent. Whether we are separated through death or some other reason, we pray for your peace. Bring every child to a safe haven and reunite them with all who are yearning to be joined to them.
Psalm 37:3-4,18-19,27-28,39-40; Matthew 10:16-23