No one knows why, but a young woman is dead. She was found in the garage of her parent’s home. It appears that she hung herself.
Why? Why would a young woman fear life itself?
What makes this especially personal is that I was on the phone with my son when it happened. This young woman was his neighbor. “The police have pulled up, Mom. People are milling about outside the garage. I’ll call you back.” When he did, he explained what had just happened. “Her mom and dad are standing outside. Her dad is talking loud. People are on cell phones. The neighborhood is stunned.”
So, why? Why was a young life cut short? Not long ago, when our son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren were out for a walk, this young woman approached them with interest. She was friendly. Talkative. During the course of the conversation, she explained that she was a psychology major in college. She asked if she could hold baby Kate.
Now the girl who held my granddaughter is dead. Evidence suggests that it was by her own hand. I never met this young woman. I don’t know her parents. But, the ache inside me is real.
What happened? Her parents, family and friends may never know. But, one thing is certain.
Human life, because of sin, is very fragile. The enemy of life knows this. He delights in this weakness. He takes advantage of our frailty.
Satan despises the humans who are created “a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned with glory and honor” (Psalm 8:5). He is jealous of God’s beloved creations who have been given “dominion over the works of [His] hands;” with “all things under [our] feet” (v. 6). Satan is a thief. He comes to “steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10a).
But, Jesus says, “I came that [you] may have life and have it abundantly. I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” (v. 10b-11). Jesus left heaven for our sake. He lowered Himself so that He might battle Satan for every fragile life. Jesus won eternal victory over Satan when He died on the Cross at Calvary. His resurrection proves that victory. He ascended back to heaven. There He waits, until the Father tells the Son it is time to return to earth on the last day. Then He will call every believer home. To heaven. To new life without the chains of sin.
For now, Satan is having his little day. The destruction he leaves in his wake can take our breath away. In our most vulnerable moments, he hisses, “Did God really say . . .?” His best weapon is to deceive. Once deceived, we doubt. Then fear. In fear, we are desperate to take control. To do anything… anything that might stop the confusion or loneliness or suffering.
For this – and every other reason – our identity matters. Knowing Whose we are matters. Knowing that we are adopted sons and daughters of God because of what Jesus did for us matters. Trusting our identity as God’s beloved creation serves us well in all circumstances. No matter if we don’t feel loved or attractive or significant. No matter if we are unhappy or in pain or seemingly spinning out of control and knocked off our foundation, we remain God’s treasures in Christ.
Trusting our identity in Christ, we become less vulnerable. When Satan comes to deceive, Jesus stands close. When Satan hisses in one ear, Jesus calls us to Him. “Trust Me, My child. Hear My word of hope. When all forsake you, I never will.”
Our identity matters. Trusting our identity in Christ makes a difference. Even if something snaps… if a neuron misfires… our identity does not change.
One question remains. It is for us. The living. Do we know our identity? Do we see ourselves as treasures of great price? In the battle for our very souls, do we look past the thief to focus hearts and minds on the Good Shepherd? No matter the circumstances, do we cling to His promise?
Dear Father, comfort the parents of this young woman. They suffer loss beyond my imagination. In their loss, draw them to the Cross of their Savior. Send Your Spirit to fill the emptiness. To work Your will for good. Amen.
Ezerwoman's Blog 