The ending of this story is good

April 30, 2011

It’s amazing how much more we are capable of when we tap into the power of God. As heirs with Him, we have this ability, but I think we so often forget. When J.V. and I were going through a pregnancy loss group at Saddleback church (almost 4 years ago now), there were women in our group sharing about how they had lost their babies late in the pregnancy, and even at birth. All of our losses, at that time, had been early losses, and to try to imagine the pain that these ladies must be feeling was just inconceivable to me. “I just couldn’t handle that kind of suffering!” I thought to myself. My heart went out to them.

Many of you are probably thinking the same thing about me now. “How can she stand it?” “Oh my gosh, can you believe this is happening to them?” “How tragic.” The truth is, the Bible warns us, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:12-13

I have been very humbled in the last week as people walking their own “valleys” send their encouragement to us. Wow, I think. They are encouraging me when they, themselves, are going through such pain? I couldn’t do it! The truth is, we all have suffering in our lives, but He gives each of us exactly what we need to do what He has called us to do, and to walk through whatever trials we must. He promises us that we are not alone. That He is with us, carrying us. The Lord knows how it feels to suffer (so much more than we ever could), and the best part of our story is that it’s not over yet. Whether the Lord chooses to do a miracle in our little girl’s life by healing her or not, He will be glorified by this. He will use her precious life in a special way, and He has designed her for His beautiful and unique purpose. We can rejoice that this time of suffering on earth is nothing but a vapor of time that will disappear and will “… achieve for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”  2 Cr 4:17 This is not our home, but a place we pass through only for a moment’s time. I can assure you that the ending of this story is good.