No greater joy than walking in truth

Loss is painful. Am I right?

I’ve trudged through a lot of loss in my life. I’ve lost both family and friends and it never gets easier.

Jan. 13, Feb. 11, Feb. 23, April 25. These are just a few of my toughest days. Seared into my heart are those dates and many others. They are dates of some precious people who have chased Jesus through the pearly gates of heaven.

A few days ago I lost my Papa. It’s been tough to put it mildly, and I hate that so many people are heartbroken, but his loss reminds me of a couple of things.

Time is precious, take no one for granted. Losing my Pa also reminds me that there is no greater joy than knowing my loved ones live for Jesus (3 John 1:4).

I am stinking proud of my kids and their achievements. I’m proud of my friends for their successes, but there is NO greater joy, no greater moment than knowing they walk in truth. That they have lived a fruitful life in Christ.

Christ in you is the ONLY thing that matters when you draw your final breath. It doesn’t matter how rich or poor you may be, how successful or not you have been, it only matters that you belong to Jesus.

As I grieve over my loss, I find comfort in knowing that Jan. 13, 2020, is a day of life everlasting.

I seek comfort in the promise of eternal life. I find joy in knowing my Papa walked in truth. I look forward to a day when Jesus returns and carries me home, or the day I close my eyes on earth and open them in heaven.

On that day, I will see Jesus face to face, I will see all my loved ones who’ve walked in truth and now walk with Jesus.

Friend, there is no greater joy, and there is no greater comfort than knowing death on earth isn’t final.

Jesus came. He died; he rose again conquering death, hell and the grave. Hallelujah!

If there is one thing I know it’s this: Life is but a vapor and eternity is REAL.

Jesus has given us the gift of eternal life with him, but we must choose it. No one can choose eternal life for you, only you have the power to choose. Choose wisely my friend. Death is inevitable.

From the moment we are born, we begin to die, what will you do in the middle?

Who will you live for?

I choose Jesus, and I’m so grateful my Papa chose Jesus.

Eternity is just ahead and more than anything I want to see you walk in truth. I want to see you in heaven some sweet day.

Friend, there is no greater joy that I could have than knowing you walk in truth.

I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are walking in truth. (3 John 1:4 CSB)

Cassie Downs, formerly of the Ellsinore area, is a bible teacher, author, retreat host, founder of Everyday Jesus Ministry, and serves as operations pastor at The Hill Church. A leader full of passion for seeing women follow Jesus and His plan for their lives. She is an avid reader and loves to travel. Cassie lives in Stockton, Mo. with her husband, Dustin and their three children. Connect with Cassie at cassiedowns.com.