Christ never wore a mask. He openly displayed His emotions. When
He felt anger, He showed it. Remember when He turned over the tables in
the Temple? (Matthew 21:12-13).
He was also joyful, and He wanted us to share in His joy:
“These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in
you, and that your joy may be made full.” (John 15:11)
When He was sad, He wept:
“Jesus wept.” (John 11:35)
I’m grateful Jesus experienced the same emotions we have. It
comforts me to know when I’m grieving, my Savior knows and feels exactly
what I’m experiencing.
“The Lord is close to those whose hearts are breaking.”
(Psalm 34:18)
Some of you know that my nephew Scott Shellenberger passed away
suddenly less than three months ago. I officiated at his wedding just a year
and a half ago. He was full of life and love and full surrender to Christ.
He and his wife, Sarah, lived on a 10-acre place with a horse, a
donkey, three dogs, a cat and Emmitt their pig. I like to refer to him as my
grandpig.
Here’s a photo of Scott holding Emmitt when he was just a few
months old. He’s full grown now and still a house-pig. He’s definitely a
people-pig.
Recently, Emmitt began vomiting blood. When the vet made a house-
call, she told Sarah that Emmitt is developing ulcers and he’s deeply
grieving the absence of Scott.
Here’s a photo of grieving Emmitt.
I discovered that pigs are among the top five most intelligent animals
in the world. He’s now on medication and doing better—but like the rest of
our family—he deeply misses Scott Shellenberger.
I love knowing that God cares about our grief.
He doesn’t leave us alone to try to figure this nightmare out by
ourselves. He walks with us through the nightmare.
And I love the fact that He cares about every single detail of our lives
. . . even our animals. God cares about Emmitt. I believe He not only
grieves with US, but that He also grieves with Emmitt.
Why?
Because He’s a very personal God.
He is intimate.
Thank You, Father.
As a family, we are healing.
It’s long. It’s hard. But God is so very close.
During this weird and stressful time of Covid-19, you may be grieving
as well. Maybe you lost a loved one. Or maybe you were let go from your
job. Perhaps you’re concerned about house payments or having enough
money to purchase groceries.
I want to remind you that God cares.
And He cares deeply.
He cares about every single detail of our lives.
Even our precious animals.
Thoughts?
_____ _____ ____
Many of you know that I haven’t been able to travel and speak in
churches because of the Corona situation. I’m sooooo looking forward to
the day when churches will be open to full capacity once again and I can
get back to doing what I love—opening God’s Word to groups of people.
Some of you have sent me a precious donation, and I can’t thank you
enough! Those who were able to do that have helped me far more than you
know. And I believe many more of you are praying for me. Wow! That’s the
greatest gift you can give me.
Just want to say THANK YOU to each one of you reading this!
I am truly grateful.
