Yesterday was a painful day.  Justin Whitaker passed away yesterday afternoon at Fairfax hospital.  Please, church family, stop whatever you are doing, and pray for Justin’s family, his friends, and North Stafford High School.  There is something about hearing this news that strikes deep within all of our hearts.  Why does this seem unfair and so wrong?  What within us is screaming that this is not the way life is supposed to be?  We all know and feel this when we hear about an incredible young man like Justin passing away at such a young age.  Why does God, and things about God become louder at a time like this?

“Show me, O Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.  You have made my days a mere handbreadth the span of my years is as nothing before you.  Each man’s life is but a breath.” Psalm 29:4-5

There is so much Justin’s life and personality that makes this time even harder.  He was so full of laughter and joy and loved by all that there is a feeling of being cheated now that he is physically gone.  He brought people together who would have never come together.  He didn’t just unite North Stafford High School, he united Stafford.  As he faced the fight of his life, he rallied our community.

Church family, in our attempt to comfort these kids and the precious Whitaker family lets be careful to not get in the way of grieving.  I even find myself wanting to share something that would soften what people are feeling at this hour.  To resist this temptation, I will share these verses.  May we find our hope in Jesus.

“The Lord is my shepherd, and I shall not be in want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads be by the quiet waters, he restores my soul.  He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You annoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23 

“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.  As they pass through the Valley of Baca (Weeping), they make it a place of springs (Restoration).” Psalm 84:5-6

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.  We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.  We carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” 2 Corinthians 4:7-10  

“Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

“Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep (passed away), or to grieve like the rest of men who have no hope.  We believe Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

“Weeping may last for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5

(In heaven) “He (Jesus) will wipe away every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death, or mourning, crying, or pain for the old order of things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4

I am so grateful that we have a God who is painting upon a larger canvas.  May we trust Him at this hour with what we cannot see.  Thank you Jesus for being our comfort and our hope in the midst of pain.  God you are not immune from this kind of loss either.  You understand the weight of losing a child.  You do understand, God!

Thank you Justin for sharing your life with us.  I never met you personally, but I have met many whom your life greatly impacted.  Thank you for making a powerful mark upon Stafford, and upon this world.  Your memory will not be lost or forgotten.