Count It All Joy?

This year I have suffered several major losses of loved ones. My Father, John Boyd Jr. died suddenly, tragically and unexpectedly. I was and am truly a Daddy's little girl. I loved my daddy almost more than life. He was my earthly hero, friend, confidant, encourager. And suddenly I was faced with his death. I cried out to Abba, God who is my father. I needed him, I wanted to draw nigh to God in a father/daughter manner.
Now, several months passed and as I was dealing with the loss of my father, my aunt who I had a close knit bond with died, then the week after her funeral, a cousin died suddenly. ABBA? What's really going on, I was reeling in an indescribable level of emotional pain. A month later yet another cousin died, and my brother-in-law's sister. By this time, I felt numb. Two months went by and yet another loss. Now just yesterday, my friend girl and neighbor died. Wow God, that's a lot to bear. How can we find God in the midst of such tragedy and trauma?
Well, I now have seen beauty in these ashes. Abba has given me a peace that surpasses all understanding, he has cradled me in his loving arms, he has counted my tears and placed them in a bottle. In a word, God has shown up in my losses as my Comforter, Healer and Friend and definitely my Daddy! His word comforts me when I shed tears. His promises keeps me motivated in my ministry, when I feel like giving up. He provides me with opportunities to exhort others who are hurting. He gives me physical strength to press on through the miry muck. And when I'm going through situations in this life that I would normally talk to my earthly father about, I can seek an all knowing, unconditional loving God for help. I want to encourage you that God is truly a very present help in the time of trouble. He will come through for you. I'm a living testimony of God's uncanny ability to be omnipresent in your life
God Bless,
Prophetess Valencia B. Luckett