John 14:18 – I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. (KJV)

On Friday, June 14th, 2002, our grandson was born. He was premature and had many complications. He died two days later on Sunday, Father's Day.

You can imagine the grief, heartache, and loss that we all faced, especially our son and daughter-in-love.

Death is a cruel separator! It leaves such a huge emotional void.

During those two days, we had fasted and prayed that God would heal him, but our prayers were not answered the way that we thought and hoped that they would be.

For the sake of the others, I tried to be there and stay strong, but finally, I had to get alone with God!

As I cried my heart out, I found that, just as He had promised, the Holy Spirit was such a comforter! I felt like liquid love was being poured all over me. At that time, the following poem was birthed.

       I Kept My Promise, Didn't I?

Lord, by Your stripes
You said we're healed.

You said, "I AM the God
That healeth thee."

But yet my loved one is no more
Upon the earth with me.

I prayed, "Lord, if you're willing,
You can make him whole."

"I will," is what I heard You say,
Yet we buried him today.

Then in the stillness of my soul,
Jesus said, "Beloved it is I.

"Child of Mine, with eyes of faith,
Look up to heaven high.

"Behold your loved one here with Me
Completely healed — He did not die;

"He's alive with Me forevermore.
I kept my promise, didn't I?"

As this poem was written, God was so tender, gentle, understanding, and loving with me. He has used this poem to be a blessing not only to me, but to so many others over the years, and I pray that He will continue to use it to bless and heal hurting hearts everywhere.

Perhaps you are facing the loss of a loved one or another kind of difficult trial. Please allow God the Holy Spirit to comfort you also.

Prayer: Lord, thank You that You have not left us comfortless, but that You have come to us. Amen.

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About the author:

Cheryl Mariano (Cheremiah) <cherylmariano@gmail.com>
Casa Grande, Arizona, USA
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