December 17, 2009 was 4 years since when Micah went home to be forever with his wonderful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. December 22nd was his birthday and he would have been 20 years old. It is hard to believe. Remembering Micah. Drawing near to God. This is what we had as the title on the bulletin for Micah’s memorial service. It is still true today. We are still missing Micah and still drawing near to God. We read one of Micah’s favorite scriptures, Isaiah 61, the morning of the 17th in our family devotions. It gives us such hope in rejoicing in our Savior. Without Jesus, we would have no hope. But God our heavenly Father loved us so much that He sent His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to come as a baby to live a perfect sinless life, to die on the cross for our sins and to be raised to life on the third day, conquering sin and death. Jesus gives eternal life to all who believe. If Jesus had not been born and had not lived a perfect life and had not died for our sins and had not risen from the dead, we would have no hope. If Micah had lived a full life of 80 years, that would have been all we would have had. But because of Jesus, we had almost 16 years with Micah here on earth, but we will have eternity with the Lord and with our sweet Micah! We have hope. Christmas time is a hard time of year for us and for so many people who have lost loved ones or who are going through a trial right now. For some reason this year was especially difficult for me. Many times I was overcome with sorrow and sadness in missing Micah. In our culture many people do not understand grief and sorrow. Most likely it is because they don’t want to think about death and dying. I am so thankful that I serve a loving and compassionate God who cares and who grieves with me and who comforts me. He is a God of all comfort and He bears all my grief and all my sorrow. Jesus wept. He understands. Father God gave His only son to die for our sins. He knows the loss of His son. Jesus was forsaken by His Father. He knows grief and sorrow. When you go through suffering your faith is tried. It is good to know that Jesus Himself is praying for us that our faith would not fail. Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." NKJV No matter how difficult our trials are, God is faithful and He loves us. We can trust in Him. We have no where else to turn. He is our only help in times of trouble. So keep clinging to Jesus. He is the one you should go to for help. When Micah died, we were broken inside more than words can tell, but we have found through the years that God is enough. John 6:68 But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life . 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." NKJV Another of my favorite scriptures that encourages me in difficult times is Habakkuk 3:17-19. 17 Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls — 18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19 The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills. To the Chief Musician. With my stringed instruments. NKJV When all is failing and falling apart in our life, God is still good and we can still praise Him and joy in Him. He is our strength and He will enable us to walk through whatever He calls us to. Blessings to you this year. Laura | 
