A life remembered

That we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. — 2 Corinthians 1:4

“Daddy, help me.” Those were the last words Dianne and Gary Cronin heard their daughter say as she struggled to breathe. Kristin, 14 years old, died suddenly — just 2 days after saying she didn’t feel well. A strep infection attacked her body on Thursday. By Saturday, she was pleading with her daddy to help her.

Before Kristin died, I was scheduled to speak at her family’s church in Soldotna, Alaska. In God’s timing, I stood before the congregation the day after her funeral.

Kristin was one of those vivacious teens who loved Jesus and lived for Him — and whose sudden death leaves us with a million questions.

Because I went through a similar loss of my own teenage daughter a few years ago, I was able to offer some advice to this stunned and grieving church. First, I said, we must recognize God’s sovereignty. Psalm 39:16 reminds us that Kristin’s life was the exact length God intended. Second, I asked the church never to forget her family. Whether it’s 2 months or 5 years later, the family will never “get over” losing Kristin. They will never stop needing Christians who care and remember.

In times like this, don’t forget that God is in control and that He wants us to be a comfort to others. — Dave Branon

When we sustain a heartbreaking loss,

When grief overwhelms our soul,

The Savior who gave Himself on the cross

Reminds us that He’s in control. — D. De Haan

READ: Psalm 139:1-16

In every desert of despair God has an oasis of comfort.

The Bible in one year:

• 2 Chronicles 30-31

• John 18:1-18