Hello,

[1 Corinthians 13:12-13]
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

There are many things we do not comprehend and we do not understand and maybe now is not the time to reason. People die for many reasons, sometimes because we have fulfilled our time here, sometimes because of acts of men (such as accidents, war), etc. But we do not know the answer because God says that we see through a glass darkly now.

I remember Pastor Dinakaran telling us a real life experience of how grieved he was when his daughter died in a car accident. He, his son and his wife survived the accident. But he was so grieved, he wished that God will take him away instead of his daughter. He found it difficult during that time to continue his ministry. He is a great evangelist and God used him tremendously but now how is he to face the people.

Then one day in a prayer meeting in his house, Jesus appeared to him and said that his daughter is now safe with him. Jesus said that He was arguing with satan whether Pastor Dinakaran will continue serving Him inspite of what had happened. He asked Pastor Dinakaran for an answer and Pastor Dinakaran said "yes", he will continue serving the Lord.

So, even when we do not understand, we should continue abiding in faith, HOPE and love.

It is not going to be easy just to talk to your friend. Many times in cases of inner healing, we need to get the Holy Spirit into the picture. Pray for your friend and listen to her. Ask God for wisdom and anointing to encourage her. Then pray with her, verbalise the prayer. Because when we come before God's presence in prayer, His anointing can break the yoke. His Name is Comforter, Counsellor. It is not just our words that comfort, but the Holy Spirit is the best comforter. 

My prayers are with your friend. May God's comfort surround her at this time. What might be of help is [2 Corinthians-1:3-11]--Also the book of Job is very encouraging for someone suffering. (Please read it first thought before suggesting it to her.) You might want to point out specific verses depending on where she is in her grief process right now.
She also needs someone to just listen to her and she needs a hug. Everyone deals with grief differently. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Give her the time she needs to heal and ask her about her father and about some of the happy things she shared with him and how he influenced her in her life.

You are a wonderful friend. She's lucky to have you by her side now. 

changed on Monday, July 17, 2000 9:44:17 PM