From September 4th through September 14th several Connect2Christ Church Family members will be leading our devotional time. This will allow us an opportunity to learn more about our brother’s and sister’s hearts for Christ through each of their devotions.
Hi, my name is Maria Acerbo and on January 24, 2016, I lost my 27-year-old son, Christopher, to drugs. We all suffer, and this letter is to share with you how I was able to persevere through my suffering at the most difficult time of my life.
The night my boy left this earth I had a dream. In the dream I was in my son’s bedroom, and I knew Chris was talking with Jesus. I could not hear the words they were saying, but I understood as I could see myself crying and begging God to NOT take my boy and to make me “His lamb, His sacrifice, NOT my boy”! I woke up the next morning and received a call that EMS was on their way as my son was found in his bedroom not breathing. I immediately remembered my dream, and after Chris passed it served as confirmation that my boy was safe and in the loving arms of Jesus. God knew I needed the dream as it is a constant reminder of eternal life and that I will one day be with my boy. This doesn’t mean that I do not suffer; it means that I understand and embrace my suffering as it is all for the Glory of Christ. When evil tried and continues to try to take me down, I rejoice in God’s Glory. I keep my eyes and heart wide open to stay loving and trust in God Who is in control of my life.
Before my son passed, I was looking for a church. I did not know why, but I decided to visit a church every Sunday until I found the right one for me. Throughout my life I did not have a Christian mentor or much teaching, but when I found Connect2Christ Church I knew that I found my home. During my first visit, as Peter Talbott prayed for the world, I felt Jesus touch my heart. This moment changed my life, and I cannot thank Peter Talbott, Pastor Mary, and my Connect2Christ Family enough for helping me find my relationship with Jesus. Most important is how they all showed me Jesus’s love through their lives, so I could make it through my suffering. We all suffer, but being able to embrace our suffering together through the love of Christ makes our suffering so much easier. Thank you, my C2C Family!
1 Peter 4:12 & 13 (NLT)
Suffering for Being a Christian
12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.
Prayer: Good morning, Jesus. Thank You for everything You have done in my life. Thank You for preparing me and especially for showing me You were going to take my son. Thank You for always covering me with Your beautiful grace and protecting my heart. I am so grateful that You’re my eternal reward. I will always be Yours! Amen.