This year I’m really struggling with writing about Easter. For me that’s pretty weird, because I love Easter. I love Jesus. I love that my Redeemer lives. I love the reality that because he is alive I will live forever in heaven too. I love that I will see him with my own eyes. (I’ll probably tackle hug him the first time I see him!)

But this year I’m wrestling with these words: “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55). See, while it is very true there is a real place called heaven, it is also true that death actually does sting. For some people close to me, this is their time to mourn, and their grief is so raw from a devastating loss that death feels like it won.

This Easter, millions of Christians heard and/or sang the words from another man who was in a time of mourning, a man who suffered devastating losses. This man, named Job (pronounced Jobe) said, “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:25-27).

Usually, if your life is in a period of calm, these words put to music are like a dance party. Trumpets sound, and people sing loudly with smiles on their faces and happy tears in their eyes.

But for those who are devastated, those words take on a different meaning. Maybe they whisper them. Maybe their hands are shaking and they want more than anything for their loved one back. Their hearts yearn for the place where there will be no more tears or sadness.

I bet Job felt that way too. He lost ten children and an untold number of servants. Then his body was covered in sores, which he sat and scraped.

As Job sat there, he didn’t know why God allowed Satan’s extreme testing. Job didn’t know he would have more children. (Not ones to replace the ten who died. He still mourned them until he went to heaven.) Job didn’t know his health and wealth would be restored. Job didn’t know how his story would end.

If you are wondering how in the world you are supposed to be thankful today, remember you have no idea how your story will end. You have no idea the plans God has for you. So start by saying what you know.

You know that your Redeemer lives.

You know he is coming back.

You know you will see him with your own eyes.

This Easter season, if you are among the grieving, there is a whole group of believers who would be honored to pray for you. I would be honored to pray for you. Please share your requests in the comments or submit a prayer request to our prayer group.