In the meantime, what do we do next? Our text gives the answer: "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain" (v. 58).

In light of these facts, stand firm and unmovable. Let nothing shake your faith in God and your confidence in his word. Give yourselves "fully," "abundantly" to God's work—serving others is one of God's great antidotes to our pain. And know that God will reward all you do, and all the one you love has done, eternally.

So we do what the one we loved is doing right now. We live in this moment, just as they are in the eternal now that is heaven. This is the only day there is. God cannot help us with "tomorrow" until it becomes "today." Live this day, and trust tomorrow to God.

We walk with God, just as they do. We continue to read his word, believe his promises, speak to him in prayer, trust him by faith. As they worship God, so do we.

We serve God and his people. They serve God and his saints now—so do we. We find ways to help hurting people, as others have helped us. Wounded healers have a vital ministry to us all.

And we prepare to be together. For the one you love, it will be only a moment; for us it may be today, or many years from today. We make sure we are ready to meet God and that person we love, if it were this day. Because one day, it will be.