Thoughts for another day

Oct. 12, 2009

Today's verse: Job 19:25. For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Times are in the life of a person who prays to God, when it just doesn’t seem right to pray. Last week I wrote of a woman seriously ill and I prayed to God that she get well and walk back home. I prayed thus because she was young and had been married only a little while and even the Bible attests to 70 years as being the age of man on earth. And so my argument was that she not die, for she had a lot of life left and I also asked God to heal her as her husband vowed that both he and she would serve God. Besides, we also planned a celebration party where we would proclaim the love of God and His power and safety for those who believe.

But that was not to be. On Friday, I learnt she expired! This, after so much prayer and holding on to faith. In fact whenever her husband called me up feeling a little low after doctors gave a not so good report, I just told him to hang out there and she would live. But as I look back, my promises seemed empty for she never walked out of the hospital. I am saddened by this. Very saddened and you my reader will not understand how sad I am for the husband. I remember whatever I told him or any other brother or sister told him to do so that then God’s power could flow through her, he did. At the funeral my question to God was, ‘what did he not do that you took her away?’ But no sound only silence and it is then that you wonder, about this thing called silence. Do the blessings of God emerge after the silence? For the Bible also says, ‘be still and know I am God.’

I feel helpless. I even told God that a part of my faith died with the woman! And such was my anguish that I was even ready to fight with Him. Now many hours after the incident my mind has reconciled to it, I believe somehow, it will all end well; I don’t know how, but that it will is my belief. Of course the angst in me toward God is still there. I could liken my situation to that of Job in a small way and honestly I can understand his dilemma. Did he deserve what happened to him? The ignominy of facing the worst catastrophe even when one doesn’t deserve it is the pinnacle of injustice one would say. However, God knows the reason and I trust He gives the strength to bear besides we know He is not an unjust God. Therefore, like Job I’ll say, ‘My Redeemer lives. And as He stands striding earth and heaven someday, He shall look at us and have mercy.’