“You Will Rise”

Almost a year after my dad died, I wanted to see the gravestone we had chosen for his resting place in the cemetery.

Mom and I decided to go on Memorial Day because, at this military site, flags are placed on every grave. I wasn’t pining away or crying when Mom and I, awed by the sight of myriad flags, stood there in the cemetery.

There are so many wonderful promises in the Bible that encourage me, such as the one found in 1 Corinthians 15:23: “But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him” (NIV).

And just as my dad rests in the sleep of death, so Daniel was told he would rest in the grave. The man clothed in linen, appearing in Daniel’s vision, said to him, “As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance” (Daniel 12:13, NIV).

What startled me that Memorial Day was the sheer number of people there. When I looked around, I noticed many huddled by various gravesites.

In a row behind us was a lady holding a younger man.

I walked over, mentioned our loss, and asked about hers.

We hugged and then shared our hope in Jesus.

Next, I noticed a lady sitting beside a gravesite a few rows away.

When I got close, she just reached up to hug me as I reached down to embrace her. Her husband had died. Mom and I came away really touched and convicted that this was a place of ministry. The next year I wanted to see whether I could encourage anyone at the cemetery again. Driving down one hill, I gasped to see very small graves on a hillside. Out of curiosity, I pulled over, slipped out of the car, and walked closer. A lady, appearing to be tucked back in the woods, sat on a rock.

Strolling closer, I asked, “Do you need a hug?” She explained her husband had died ten years ago, but the loss was still fresh.

One more person to encourage.

And because Jesus rose from the grave, we do have encouragement to offer. That evening at home, I glanced at Dad’s Bible.

It was a blessing to read one particular verse he had marked: “And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!” (2 Timothy 4:18, NKJV).

Truly, we shall rise!

Diane Pestes