May we all be comforted by the God of all comfort!

Tue, Jan 20, 2015

Editor: Monday’s tragic accident which left five dead and others injured has brought deep sadness to us all. As we sorrow, we realize how quickly life can be ‘snatched’ from us. Like the apostle James, we should ask, “…for what is life?” Truly, “it is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” James 4:14. In times like these (tragedies) many of us reflect on our mortality and our need to ensure that our lives are in the hands of God while we live. Unfortunately though, we tend to be a forgetful people.{{more}} Grief and sadness is often followed by solemnity, a sense of soberness, confession of and thankfulness for the goodness of God and our need to know and trust Him. But alas, that is short-lived! Time passes and the ‘same ole thing’ continues – back to the bad behaviour, back to the hatred towards one another, back to the revelry, back to the same old sinful “life as usual” ways. Would you choose to be different this time? Choose to reflect on your ways and turn to the living God for salvation. The young also should realize that death has no boundaries. They must serve their Creator in the days of their youth for salvation and preservation. Neither is our country immune to the calamities – calamities which continue to occur throughout the world. Nineteenth century religious writer Mrs EG White reminds us that, among other things, “the calamities by land and sea…are portentous.” We must therefore take heed by forsaking our wicked ways and turning to Jesus Christ, Our Saviour from sin. Let us NOT live our lives carelessly.

To the family and friends of the deceased, I urge you to look to Jesus, in His word, for continual encouragement

in this difficult period. He is “the God of all comfort…” Learn of Him and live for Him. As you receive of Him, you would also “be able to comfort them which are in any trouble” by the same comfort by which you are “comforted of God”(11Corinthians 1:3,4). May God bless us all with His comfort in these sorrowful times.

Love,

Ann-Marie Ballantyne

svgpatriot@hotmail.com