When God Says, "No"

Reading the events of Scripture and experiencing them are two different animals. My father and family can empathize with Mary and Martha when they lost Lazarus. We echoed their words in prayers to Jesus when they said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." (Jn. 11:32)

At this writing, my Mom recently passed away. The sudden-ness of her leaving was just like the sting spoken of in Scripture that Death possesses. This sting haunts all those that have lost loved ones.

The family had three churches, not three individuals, and a host of people on social media - praying and petitioning God for a miracle recovery. God said, "No". This answer almost stung more than death's sting. However, there was no doubt of the answer because every direction we turned - mentally, physically and spiritually for Mom - God was saying, "No". Mom's appointed time to be with The Lord had come on October 6, 2025 at 2:07 p.m.

But God's "No's" not only have a silver lining, they have an eternal golden lining as well. Jesus replied to Martha upon arriving and hearing her anguish - "I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in Me, will live, even if he dies; and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" (Jn. 11:25)

Ever since Jesus spoke these words, every true believer places their faith and hope in them - including my Mom. Therefore, according to The Word of God in flesh - Christ Jesus - my mother is still living. Her essence was masquerading in the shell we call the body. Now she is with the Lord and in Paradise. Again according to Christ's own words to the thief while on the cross, Jesus said - "Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." (Lk. 23:43) As for "the rest of mankind", 1 Thessalonians 4:13 blatantly states they "have no hope".

Life becomes more challenging and extremely different without my Mom in it. Like I mentioned before, these types of experiences are easier to read about in Scripture than walk through. But many of these Biblical events are documented to show believers - (1) we are not alone in our struggles and (2) what to do next - eagerly and patiently await His return as you "turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His Glory and Grace"; even - When God Says, "No".