It Is Bittersweet

-October 19, 2024-

Good morning beloved, happy Saturday,

“But I want you to know, brethren, that the things that happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel.”

(Philippians 1:12).

We often hear the expression, “bittersweet.” It is defined as pleasant but including or marked by elements of suffering or regret.” There are many examples in life where something is difficult or sad, yet good comes from it.

This what I face tomorrow afternoon when we have a memorial service for our precious mother, friend, and servant of the Lord, Sylvia. The bitter part is she is no longer with us in this world; the sweet part is all the lives she touched and that we will see her again in heaven.

There will be a veil of tears, yet much praise to God for all her years of servicing the Lord. She taught the Women’s Bible Studies, headed up the Women’s Ministry, oversaw the Sunday School, taught Revelation seminars, led the Choir, counseled, and so much more. We miss her terribly.

To me the sweet will overshadow the bitter. It reminds of dark chocolate, which can be bitter, but when you add caramel, it tastes so good. We can leave a legacy for Christ as Sylvia did. I am assured that the Lord said to her, “Well done, you good and faithful servant, you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:23).

Paul tells of his own bittersweet time in a Roman prison. While there he preached the gospel and some of the Praetorian or palace guards were saved and many of the saints became more confident to share their faith with boldness.

I am sure you have had your share of bittersweet moments that the Lord brought good from. I know I have them many times. Paul wrote in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Joseph, in speaking to his brothers, said, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive” (Genesis 50:20).

Have a blessed day. God will give sweetness, comfort, encouragement, and joy in the midst of your sorrow or pain. Stay safe and healthy.

The rainbow appears after the rain and the sun begins to break through.

Dean