Like so many of my church family and community members, I find myself reeling today from the sudden death of a dear lady. After several days of feeling like she was coming down with something, she received a shocking diagnosis of acute leukemia on Friday, was admitted to the hospital that very night, and passed away on Sunday.
How does that even happen?
The blessing for Pat is she didn't have to endure prolonged suffering. Though I am sure with every fiber in my being that she would've given anything for more time with her beloved husband and children, I'm equally sure that she is now experiencing joy in Glory that is beyond anything we can fathom.
I'm praying her family will find comfort in that knowledge as well, and that God's love and peace will cover them like a warm blanket in the days to come.
Meanwhile, I'm also praying for a childhood friend who has been at the bedside of her dying father for weeks. Today she blogged that nothing has been left undone or unsaid, and though this time with him has been treasured and sweet, the agony of watching his suffering and waiting for his release to that eternal joy in Glory has become nearly unbearable.
Two special people, loved by their families and so many others and especially by God. One is taken so quickly our heads are spinning, and the other, ready and eager now to be reunited with his precious wife in Heaven, suffers and waits.
I don't understand why in either case. As I have pondered it, however, God has reminded me of two things.
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants." Psalm 116:15. They are HIS servants, HIS children, and I fully trust that he sees them and loves them through the transition from this life to the next, no matter how fast or slow that may be.
Second, I am reminded of God's words in Isaiah 55:9, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." God knows what he is doing, whether or not I understand it. And I take great comfort in that. How could I worship a God small enough for me to wrap my brain around? That would put God on my level, and, well, I think you can get my point.
My faith tells me that God is sovereign, so I can trust that there is a divine purpose in all he does in life and death. My faith reminds me that God loves his children, so I can trust in his promise of salvation and eternal life. My faith upholds me, so in my weakness I can rest in the sufficiency of God's grace.
For all those who are hurting, who are questioning, who are waiting, who are struggling: may you choose faith in the sovereign God who loves you, rest in his grace, and be comforted by his peace.
No comments:
Post a Comment