We are truly sorrowful to hear of the passing of Scotty and Patty Cheek's son. We lift up Scotty and Patty, as well as their family, before the throne of grace and mercy. Death is a stark reminder of the brevity of life and the urgency to live for Jesus Christ. In this trying time, remember Psalm 34:18: "Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a contrite spirit."
Jesus Himself experienced the loss of a loved one when His friend Lazarus died. He understands the pain and sorrow that Scotty, Patty, and their family are going through. They can find comfort in knowing that Jesus is close to them right now, weeping with them and offering His comfort. Remember John 11:35: "Jesus wept."
Although it is painful to let our loved ones go, We can find assurance in the fact that for those who have entrusted their lives to Jesus, death is not the end. Life on this earth is just a vapor compared to the eternity that will be spent in the presence of our heavenly Father. Let these words from 2 Corinthians 5:8 encourage the Cheek family: "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."
We pray earnestly for the Cheek family as they lay their son to rest. We pray that the Holy Spirit will fill their hearts with the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding. We ask that You Father would grant them grace to go through this day. We ask You Heavenly Father to cause them to turn to Jesus and run to Him in their need to be healed from their sorrow. We pray they will accept the Word of God and feel God's everlasting arms embrace them as they mourn their loss.
In this difficult time, the Cheek family should also be reminded of the hope that is found in Jesus Christ. Because of His death and resurrection, believers can look forward to the day when they will be reunited with their loved ones in heaven. For Christians, death does not have the final say. Let these words from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 provide them with hope: "But we don't want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don't grieve like the rest, who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus."
Finally, We encourage Scotty and Patty to cast their burden on the Lord, knowing that He cares for them. Let them not forget 1 Peter 5:7: "Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you."