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Where are you, God? Documentary - a glimpse into the life of Roar Sjemmedal
It has been nearly three years since I lost Dad.
I miss him often.
Dad got to know God in a unique way through the circumstances he met in life.
I have reflected on the benefits I have received from the gospel.
What it has done for me and in me; it is an incredible blessing.
A while back a scripture came to me:
"...that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:7)
I thought about it as a question: Have you experienced this?
(Roar's last conversation, three days before his death.)
Now you have been in the church for many years.
And then I was filled with thankfulness that I have partaken in life.
I prayed a simple prayer, saying that I needed to thank my mother for life.
(Ragnar and Ingrid Sjemmedal. Roar age 1 year.)
This has been so valuable. And for Dad who taught me and gave me God's Word from childhood.
So it has been an incredible wealth. God has let me in amazing ways.
When Dad was twelve years old, his mother became gravely ill.
Before she died, she wrote him a letter which he received at his confirmation three years later.
"Dear Roar! Mom's own boy."
"Congratulations on this day, my boy. I wish you God's peace and richest blessings on this day and in your life ahead.
"Thank you Roar, for being so patient and kind toward your mother.
"Thank you for all the hugs you gave me. Thank you for all the steps you saved me from walking to the store."
(Roar's confirmation)
"I wish so much that I could be with you now, but God wanted it to be this way instead."
You must follow the pathway of good in life, Roar. Although I am no longer with you, you must allow the gospel to be your mother.
"In the gospel I am also with you, because I know that the word of Jesus is the greatest comfort and a better protective mother than any human can be."
What is it like behind the clouds? Is there really a God?
Why did you take away my kind mother?
Where are you, God?
As a young person, he found interests that gave him a degree of happiness.
His longing for God faded but did not go away.
Reidun and Roar about 25 years
"Through the gospel we will meet again, Roar. You, dad, and me.
"I love you both so very much."
"In heaven there is no more sorrow or or tears, and there we will forget all the heaviness that life brought us."
Dad lost his father when he was 23 years old. That caused him once again to think about the seriousness of life and eternity.
He gave his life to God, but felt it was difficult to live the way he wanted.
Can't you just accept it? You are not always right!
Are you always right?
Are you OK, Roar?
I don't really know. Thank you very much!
There is something I do not quite understand.
Jesus atoned for our sin, and everyone who believes in Him will be saved.
But I am not completely at peace.
I know what you mean. Jesus has atoned all of our sin, and then we will be saved!
But do you know what it says in the Bible?
That Jesus is an example for us, and we can become more and more like him.
We can become free from sin and from everything that plagues us!
Aggression, anxiety, my temperament. All of it!
Really? Is that true?
Yes, but not in our own strength. But through grace and strength from God it is possible for us!
But that is exactly what I have been longing for!
This is completely different from a theoretical Christianity, and that Jesus has done everything and...
Could you...
Dad experienced that faith in the word of God transformed his life.
He continues to encounter his own evil nature, and way of reacting that creates unrest and discord in a busy day.
But he always held on to faith. That by God's help he could be transformed.
Be gentle, good, warm.
Those who dealt with him experienced just that.
Not least us children.
"Read much in God's word, and follow the way the Word shows."
"And you will be blessed for time and eternity!"
"Loving greetings from Mom. May God preserve you, my boy, from all evil."
Roar age 65, with his grandchildren Archive photo 2005
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28