For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
Romans 8:18-23 (ESV)
This past weekend my wife and I have traveled down a road that, no thanks to our mutual ancestors (Adam & Eve) many have taken. Death is never a pretty thing, but the death of a child, born or unborn, reeks especially of the stench of the curse. On Monday, as we heard from the nurse we had a miscarriage and that our 5-6 week old baby was no longer with us a flood of emotions swept through us. Over the week-end several thoughts and feelings had come over me, feelings of helplessness, anger, frustration, sadness and even guilt. The outpouring of love from family and friends lifted our spirits but of course did not take away the grief. While we expected the worst, when the worst came life momentarily crashed down around us…
…But God did not leave. God was not absent on Friday when the first signs of disaster appeared. God was not surprised as pregnancy symptoms disappeared. And God was not neglecting us when the nurse called to give us the news. Instead, God’s love was all around us! God used His children to encourage us with voice mails, emails, text messages, cards and flowers. God arranged for the timely words of comfort from a father. God used His Word to remind us that He knows our pain and is our comfort. While the pain and grief continues, we know that whatever God has in store through us, it will be better than we could ever imagine. Praise the Lord for His excellent goodness! His mercy endures forever!
I am so sorry to hear about this, brother. Words fail me. You are in my prayers.
I will look forward to meeting Patience Hope one day. When that day comes (assuming I’ll get there ahead of you) we’ll talk a lot about her Mom and Dad. So, I’ll help get her ready for your arrival.
Daniel, I am so proud of you and Emily. Your article was frank and open and hope filled. Thank you (and thank God) for being the man of God that you are – a man who faces giants with growing confidence in God’s sovereignty and down-to-earth understanding that there is a lot we haven’t figured out.
Love you…DAD
It might help to remember that Job is commended by God for speaking the truth about God. And Job says some very harsh things about God. So feel empowered to complain to the Almighty about the things that are within his responsibility that were done to you. God knows, and I know, how hard it is. But I too believe that this child will be waiting for us in the hereafter, and I look forward to telling it how much her parents wanted and loved her. Of course, she probably knows.
Love,
Ben