Yesterday some college friends of mine lost their 18 day old son Judah. After just weeks of fighting, and thousands of prayers offered up, his struggle to survive is strangely over. My heart breaks as I consider the heavy consequences of sin in this fallen world, the sorrow and the devastation that it brings. But even as we mourn the loss of this little one, I know that another battle is just beginning.
In the days and weeks following this trial, his parents will face many temptations. Bitterness, Anger, and Despair will rise to take their stand against Faith, Hope, Truth, and Love. I appeal to the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort to strengthen their hearts and minds. I pray that they will stand firm on truth, that they will trust the good and sovereign hand of God.
Even this most difficult loss may prove to bring the greatest gain, glorifying God and drawing them nearer to Him. May they worship, as Job did, and say along with him, "The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD."
A friend recently shared with me the words of this hymn by William Cowper. They seem fitting for the occasion:
William Cowper
God Moves in a Mysterious Way
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.
Labels: quotes, songs/music