After the hospital experience that our family had last month, I had hoped we would be able to avoid health crises of any kind for quite some time . . . like years.
While, for the moment, we are healthy, others are not. Just this week I've learned of three people we know who are facing moderate to significant health challenges. Although none of these people are family members, they are people we are close to (or in the instance of the youngest person, someone who is dear to a very close friend).
It is so hard to understand why these individuals and their loved ones have to deal with pain, fear, and uncertainty. It is especially unfathomable why N, only three years old, is facing a spinal tap, bone marrow testing and chemotherapy.
Why does this innocent child have to suffer? For what purpose has God ordained or allowed this rare form of cancer to ravage N's little body? To my finite human mind, the entire situation is incomprehensible. I cannot imagine any way in which N's illness and the harrowing testing and treatment that will attempt to heal him can possibly bring glory to God. But I have to believe that God would not cause or allow him to suffer for no good reason.
As hard as it is, I have to trust that Jeremiah 29:11 is as true for N as it is for anyone -- 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
The same God that created N, who knit him together in his mother's womb, also sent his one and only son to die for his eternal salvation. Even at N's tender age, I pray that he knows that Jesus loves him and died for him. I also pray that N's parents know that the God of the universe has specific plans for their son -- good plans, plans that will benefit him, not harm him, plans that will enable him to have hope and to look to the future.
None of us knows what lies ahead. But if we believe that God's Word -- both in Scripture and the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ -- is true and trustworthy, we can have assurance that what lies ahead is from God and it is His good plan, in fact, His best plan for us.
Father God, please hear our prayers for N and his family, for J who is in great pain, and for JR who faces difficult decisions regarding future surgery and possible lifestyle adjustments. Help each one to feel your presence and perfect love. We pray that You will bring healing and wholeness into each life. In every situation may seeds of faith in Jesus be sown and nourished to your glory. Amen.
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