How does God decide when to call His children Home? It seems like some die way too young while others live to a ripe old age, seemingly accomplishing nothing for the Kingdom. We can quote verses like Romans 8:28, but maybe you find it hard to believe sometimes.

For the true follower of Christ, death is not grievous but joyful. It is the ultimate graduation where a loving Father takes us by the hand and says, “Welcome Home, My child. You have run the race and fought a good fight. Your suffering is over. Enter into your rest.” There is a time where those left behind have a choice: They can become bitter and angry at God for taking their loved one, or they can cling to Him more than ever before and commit to be faithful to the God who will give them the strength to continue on the journey until they too have crossed the finished line.

I picture a literal race, like you would see at the Olympics. Some finish quickly, others aren’t as fast. Hurdles slow some down and even trip some, but they get up and keep running. You are one of these runners. As you see the end in sight, you get excited and begin to pick up the pace. Your smile gets even bigger when, on the other side of the line are people who have finished long before but who now encourage you to hurry so they can embrace you. Once you catch your breath, you look around and catch sight of the One you have been longing to see ever since you began the race, the One who was beside you the whole way, picking you up when you fell, holding your hand, encouraging you to keep going when you weren’t sure you could take one more step. At that moment, your scars, exhaustion, pain, sadness … all gone. The only thing on your mind is the fact that you made it! Jesus opens His arms, and you quickly run into them, secure in the realization that nothing can harm you ever again.

For those who haven’t heard, Tracy Stuffle of the Perrys finished his race at 2:54 this morning. I’m sure Music Scribe will be posting more information but, as I was writing this post, the following song came to mind. I hadn’t heard it in years and don’t really know it but, as I looked it up today, I was amazed at how, once again, God brought to mind the perfect song. In honor of Tracy, and to encourage others who may be missing their loved ones today, I thought I would share this with you. Have a blessed week!