Read Zephaniah 3.14-20
At that time I will gather you;
at that time I will bring you home. (Zephaniah 3.20a)
The people Israel were homeless; a small fish swimming between the huge whales of Egypt and Assyria. Israel, a once proud nation with much land, great wealth, a huge temple, now lived as resident aliens, depending on the mercy of strangers. Zephaniah encourages the people by reminding them of the faithfulness of God. God will restore Israel. Those living in exile will be brought home. Fortunes will be restored on the day of the Lord. It will be a great homecoming.
Arlene, a woman from our church, was taken to the hospital for a blood clot in her leg. When I visited her, the first thing she said was, “When will I go home?” I went to ask the nurse and she said they were waiting to hear from the doctor.
“I’m an old woman,” she said, “I’ll be 99.” I want to go home.” Then it dawned on me, she wasn’t just talking about the hospital. She wanted to her heavenly home, to be with her Lord and Savior. We prayed together and I asked God to bring her safely home, to give her peace while she waits, to surround her with loving care.
After the Amen she looked up with the same sparkle in her eyes. For a brief moment she was home. Someday she’ll be there forever.
Delight in Disorder 
I remember many years ago when my kids were young, my mother was in hospital after a fall. Her pastor visited with some of the church members and prayed that God would take her home. I was angry and sad because I didn’t want her to go. She was all I had left apart from my kids. A single parent with no other relatives, I didn’t want her to go. It took a long time to rely on God alone, but what blessings there are when you do.
LikeLike
It can be very difficult, yes. I’m still working through the death of my grandmother, almost 50 years ago. But I trust she is in God’s hands.
LikeLiked by 1 person