Suffering is real–God’s loving-kindness is real

 

 

Soon it will be 5 years since our son,  Michael died (physically) 15 months after his diagnosis with inoperable Ewings Sarcoma of the spine.  He just had his 27th birthday. Some days we still cannot believe it.  Gordon and I can truly identify with Matt Chandler's complete trust in his Heavenly Father – also and especially in the most trying times. 

Christians do not have to act all brave – our sighs and sorrow and laments and yearnings are real, our God’s powerful  and  loving-kindness and His ultimate plans are real. 

He is our and our children’s Faithful One in the storm, Who holds us tight.  He has given us a very loving  son and brother – He has taken Michael – to share in HIs joy.  Could we have any higher wish for our son than being perfect in God's presence?

How  merciful our  Father Who gives us space to say:  “we yearn and long for our Michael!” and at the same time resting in HIs purposes which are infinitely supreme to ours – secure.

Matt Chandler (who suffers with brain cancer) says about suffering: ““There’s a purpose in it; there’s a limit in it; and in the end, God is not going to give to us what He will not sustain us in. And I believe at that moment, the Holy Spirit gives you the power to stand. That’s exactly what we found out. And I’m rejoicing in what He’s doing in it.”