The Work He Began Is Not Complete

When a loved one dies, we think back on their life, on all they accomplished. And on the things they did not yet accomplish.

Philippians 1:6 is a beautiful verse. A promise. The work that God began in your loved one’s life is not yet complete. He will bring it to completion at the Day of Christ.

I take great comfort in this truth.

My son accomplished many things in his twenty plus years. And yet he died way too soon for my liking. I know every one of his days was written in God’s Book before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139) But I would like for there to have been more days written in that book.

My mom was an unhappy woman, filled with bitterness and regret. She was saved on the day she died. I would like to have had time to talk with her about many things. To have heard her say she was sorry. To have told her I forgave her long ago.

Rarely a week goes by that I don’t wish I could pick up the phone and call my dad. Or my sweet mother-in-law. They were both wise in their own ways. I miss them. I wish I could once again spend weekends driving to Oklahoma City to my parents or to Sterling to see my in-laws.

I love these people and many more whose earthly lives have ended.

I also see their legacies continue in the lives of family and friends.

My sons learned how to be good men from both their grandfathers. My kids all love to read in part because Grandma Duncan read to them The Pokey Little Puppy. (Rita also taught hundreds of other children to read during her thirty plus years of teaching first grade.) My kids saw me honor my mother and forgive her even in her sickness and anger. My children are better people because of their grandparents.

Andrew touched many lives in ways I cannot express. I know of more than one young man pursuing his passions and dreams because they saw Andrew do just that. His kindness and the way he treated the women in his life have helped young women set higher standards regarding how they will allow themselves to be treated by men.

I write this blog in part because of the influence these people had in my life.

Yes, their lives on earth are finished, but the work God began in them is not. That work continues in the lives of those they influenced.

God is faithful and just. He is able. He keeps His promises. He is still using their lives to reach people, to draw people to Himself.

Dear friend, your loved one may no longer live on earth, but no matter if they lived only in their mother’s womb, never to take a breath outside it, or they lived to be ninety, the work God began in them is not yet finished.

He will bring it to completion at the Day of Jesus Christ, at the Day of His Return. What a glorious day that will be!

Bible study, Christian living, eternal life, Philippians


KathleenBDuncan

I write about my life, my journey, my family, and my faith. I am wife to one, mom to seven with one in heaven, and grandmother to many. I am also full-time caregiver to my stepmom E who suffers from dementia due to Alzheimer’s. In my spare time I like to read, travel, crochet, bike, and play with our black pug Molly.

Comments (7)

  • I lost my son and mother as well. My mom died way too young and so did my son. My mom was barely 67 and my son only 6. My father passed away at the really young age of 53. On the day my son died he told my mother he was watering the flowers and later he would see Jesus. She dismissed it as thinking he was going to Sunday School. So young to be so wise and missed more than I can bear. Thank God I do not have to bear any of these losses without Him.

  • This is such a lovely post and dedication to your dear family members. We know the cliche, “They are in a better place”, but it can be so hard to have peace in that statement in the midst of grief. God bless you and your journey.

  • So sorry you’ve had to go through this pain. I know how tough it is to lose a loved one too soon, as I lost my dad when I was only 18. Thankfully, God has a better, grander plan, and we need only trust Him and lean into His grace. Thank you for being so courageous and vulnerable to share your story! <3

    • Losing a parent at any age is tough, but at 18! Just as you are beginning adulthood. I’m so sorry.

      God does has a plan. A beautiful plan. We don’t always see it here on earth, though.

      Thank you for your kind words.

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