God doesn’t cause our pain. He doesn’t promise to remove our pain or save us from it on this earth. He promises to be there with us through it. He promises eternity with Him free from pain. Jesus wasn’t sent to earth to save our earthly bodies; He came to save our souls. We can still die even with the entire world praying for our recovery. It’s not a betrayal- it’s the reality of living in a broken world and reminds us of what we are all longing for, a new Heaven and new earth. We are weak beings, we live in a fallen world and our days are numbered. Some have smaller numbers than others but that doesn’t mean they are any less faithful in their love for God.
I plan on sprinting into Heaven to hug my Savior and kiss my baby girl all over her face when my time comes. I’m comforted in the knowledge that God’s there to hold me in my suffering with His promise to take my hand and, one day, lead me to eternity. I don’t expect Him to save me from my earthly problems, but I do know that He’s here with me every second of the day.
I won’t be fooled into believing that the strength of my faith will save me from sudden troubles, illness, or death. That a short life span meant someone’s love for God wasn’t strong enough to give them a long life full of perfect health and abundant wealth. Not only is that belief theologically flawed, but it’s also hurtful to those of us who have lost someone extremely precious to us. God is love and is close to the broken-hearted.
Leslie,
I am just now seeing this picture and your article. Oh, how I love this picture. Your writing is excellent and expresses a great truth.
I have a vivid picture of being in your home when Madison was fairly young. You were reading a book to her regarding the reason for Easter. One page showed a man on a cross with some blood stains. She didn’t say much but allowed you to finish the book.
When you were finished reading, I remember Maddie returning to that page. She put her little hand on it and said, “I love Him.”
I thought of the words of Jesus, “Let the little children come unto Me.”