With all my heart
I praise the Lord!
I will never forget
how kind he has been.
I praise the Lord!
I will never forget
how kind he has been.
The Lord forgives our sins,
heals us when we are sick,
Psalm 103:2-3
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
Recently I have been dealing with the death of my step-father and trying to comfort my mother concerning her loss of someone she loved dearly. Many prayers were sent his way when the doctors discovered his cancer. He had hope that healing might come. We all had hopes. But we were also aware of the reality of the situation.
Sure, we were hoping for a miracle, but there are certain miracles that are just not usually going to happen. Defying the odds of the most devastating types of maladies is one of those types of miracles. Healing can come in some cases, but the inevitability of death exists for all of us. When our time comes then it's time to accept what awaits us.
I think my step-father had dealt with a lot of tough times in his life, but his last sixteen years with my mother were probably the best times of his life. He had the experience of having a family which is something he had not previously had. He had the joy of love and being wanted. They were good years.
Since I didn't live near to them, I didn't have as much time to delve as deeply into all aspects of my step-father's life as I might have been able to otherwise. I guess I always thought I'd have time for that someday, but then that day was lost. I don't know what his standing with God was in his life, but I think he was a spiritual person from what I did know about him. I hope that he made the peace that is necessary for him to be with God for eternity.
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Sure, we were hoping for a miracle, but there are certain miracles that are just not usually going to happen. Defying the odds of the most devastating types of maladies is one of those types of miracles. Healing can come in some cases, but the inevitability of death exists for all of us. When our time comes then it's time to accept what awaits us.
I think my step-father had dealt with a lot of tough times in his life, but his last sixteen years with my mother were probably the best times of his life. He had the experience of having a family which is something he had not previously had. He had the joy of love and being wanted. They were good years.
Since I didn't live near to them, I didn't have as much time to delve as deeply into all aspects of my step-father's life as I might have been able to otherwise. I guess I always thought I'd have time for that someday, but then that day was lost. I don't know what his standing with God was in his life, but I think he was a spiritual person from what I did know about him. I hope that he made the peace that is necessary for him to be with God for eternity.
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
John 8:36
New International Version (NIV)
We have reached the point when surgery has claimed defeat in restoring my daughter's vision in one eye - even the consultant said there was no chance of her regaining her sight bar a miracle.
ReplyDeleteThankfully, we know someone who CAN do that - but quite why He has not yet accomplished this is beyond us. Yet we continue to pray for her vision to improve, so that we can loudly proclaim 'how great is our God!'
I'm sorry you missed the opportunity to get even closer to your step-father and wonder about his standing with the Lord - but one day we may all be surprised to learn how God's grace touched those we could only wonder about in this life!
Bless you for sharing!
I am sorry for your loss. Our family has also suffered loss from this ugly disease; even after much prayer. I too hope he made his peace with God.
ReplyDeleteArlee, I am sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to read about your loss. Life is certainly unpredictable, as is death. You are a good son to help your mom through this. I know you are a comfort to her.
ReplyDelete