Is Anything To Wonderful For The Lord?

On January 18th we observed Sanctity of Life Sunday. As I headed toward the worship center, I saw my sister-in-law, Kristene. When we were close enough to speak, she held up a small object and asked, “Do you know what this is?” The object, small enough to fit in the palm of her hand, was a baby’s diaper. “This was Gregory’s first diaper and it was too big,” she said.

Gregory was born almost 3 months pre-mature. He weighed 2 lbs, 2 oz. and was 13 ½ inches long. From the beginning Kristene and Mike (my brother) were told that their new baby would have almost no chance for a normal life. Though troubled by the report, their love for this little boy and their faith in the God who had created him remained steadfast. Three days later things got even worse. Gregory experienced a brain bleed. In light of this seemingly insurmountable setback it was suggested that all medical care be withdrawn. Mike and Kristene did not hesitate to reject that suggestion. They continued to pray, trusting the wisdom, power and goodness of God.

Family members and friends gathered at the hospital to encourage and comfort Mike and Kristene and to pray for Gregory. Our church prayed, along with churches across the country. Slowly, but surely, there were signs of improvement. Against all odds, this tiny little boy began to put on some weight. Three months after his very early arrival, Gregory went home from the hospital. Though there was still some concern about his physical development, there was no question that God had heard, and was answering, our prayers.

Needless to say, Gregory’s experience has helped me understand the sanctity of life from a whole new perspective. He and every other child, whether born or unborn, are the handiwork of God. They are the precious possessions of our heavenly Father and should be cherished and cared for as such.

Not only was January 18th Sanctity of Life Sunday, it was also Gregory’s 3rd birthday. At his party he opened presents, ate cake and played with his friends…just like any other normal kid. Every time I see him I think, “Is there anything too wonderful for the Lord?”

My Grace Is Sufficient For You

When the telephone rings after midnight at my house it is usually followed by bad news. Last week was no exception. There had been a death in our church family; a death by suicide. There was a grieving mother that needed help. But how could I comfort her, especially under these circumstances? As I drove to her home I prayed and wondered just how I could minister to one confronted with such tragedy. Even as I walked up to the front door I was not certain exactly what to say or do. When the door was opened, I was embraced and hugged tightly. The tearful words, “Thank you for coming,” were whispered in my ear. In my heart, the words, “My grace is sufficient for you,” assured me that I did not have to do or say anything. The Comforter had arrived before me.

A few days later, as I prepared for a memorial service, similar thoughts occupied my mind. What message of hope and comfort could I share? What words could possibly be spoken to bring some sense of understanding and comfort to those suffering such loss? Once again God’s words, “My grace is sufficient for you,” came to mind, reminding me that the appropriate message for this memorial service, as with any memorial service, was a message of God’s love and grace. Even suicide cannot separate us from the love of God. His grace is sufficient even for this. One thing we can all be certain of is that God does not love us because we are good; He loves us because He is good.

Whether your need is to comfort others or to be comforted yourself, the God of all comfort declares, “My grace is sufficient for you.”