March 27, 2008
This week I received a
“un-subscribe” notice from a man whose wife had died of pancreatic cancer.
He said, “Please unsubscribe him because it was his wife who had subscribed
and he wanted off our email list.” Even in this I could feel his pain and even
the cutting of ties that would remind him of her and bring him pain. I removed
him from the list and wrote a short note to him. Later I spent some time
thinking about the "why's" of the situation.
I realized that we often don't know
why things happen the way they do. I know death is the inevitable consequence of
life in a fallen world. I don't know why some people live to old age and others
die very young. I don't know why God heals some and not others. I don't know
many of the answers to the question why.
Then I realized I don't need to
know. God knows and I know that He is infinitely wiser than I'll ever be and He
is infinitely good and loving. His timing is always perfect.
"For my thoughts are not
your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As
the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and
my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah
55:8-9 NIV
I also believe with all my heart the
last words of Paul's epistle to the church in Rome.
And we know that in all things
God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to
his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV
God didn't tell Job why so many
disasters fell into his life. Instead God reminded Job who He is.
There is nothing wrong with asking
God why. Sometimes He tells us or shows us. Sometimes He chooses not to, and
since He is God and we're not, that's probably for the best.
I don't know why God is choosing
this time for these family members to be drawing close to the ends of their
lives. I know I'll miss them when they've passed. I also know that in the midst
of the pain, He will be there and there will still be joy in His presence. I
choose obedience and will give thanks to God.
Be joyful always; pray
continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in
Christ Jesus. 1
Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
We're not called to be thankful FOR
all circumstances, some are far more pleasant than others. We're called to give
thanks IN all circumstances and that's what I'll do.
Until next time, whatever you are
facing, even if you don't understand the why, you can give praise and thanks to
the Lord.
Be blessed
Darrel Mason