Tuesday, July 1, 2014

What We Do Know

Yesterday our friend Linny from A Place Called Simplicity shared that a friend of hers, a sweet mom of fifteen children (8 adopted from Africa died.  Her life was cut short.  This kind of tragedy takes our breath away.  It makes us hold tighter to those we love as we try to comprehend with shock the death of someone who's young life reflected a heart for Jesus.  Besides having a love for the orphan, she and her husband Brad were part of a mission ministry.  They walked with God every step of the way.   They live three hours from us here in Iowa.


On Facebook and her blog, many have commented as they try to wrap their minds around the loss this family is facing.  More than one person believed it was "ordained" by God.  Others felt there must be a bigger purpose for God to allow or take this mom from her family.  Others are praying God can somehow use this for good.  Another said Jenny was such an angel on earth that for sure she is one in heaven now.  Different people expressing different beliefs about her death.

Joel and I do not believe God ordained Jenny's death.  We believe her life was cut short, but not by God.  We believe we live in a broken world, corrupted by sin.  A world where the devil roams about like a lion seeking who he may devour.  We believe God had a plan for Jenny to live a long life as His child, fulfilling His purpose for her.  Yet she did not, and questions go unanswered.

During times like these we need to focus on what we do know about God, and what we know can be found in Scripture.  We know that He is a loving God who sent His son to die on the cross for our sins and sicknesses because He loves us so very much.  We know that bad things happen to good people.  We know that God is faithful!  We know that God collects our tears in a bottle and that He weeps when we weep.  We know that when we accept Jesus as our Savior we have eternal life and that even in death we have the victory.  Victory is ours!  Victory is Jenny's.

Today I ask that you pray for Brad and their 15 children as they cope and grieve the loss of his wife and their mother. We pray for all those who love Jenny and we pray for the legacy she leaves behind to outshine the tragedy that has unfolded.   We pray her heart for Jesus overflows into the hearts of others.  She was an inspiration for us all.


11 comments:

8peasinapod said...

I felt the same way as others. Why GOD??? So sad. :(((

Life Coach said...

Yes, I have to agree her life was untimely, and not necessarily by God - someone told me today it was bc her work here was done and time to be called home, I absolutely do not cater to that thought. She had a lot yet to offer but hoping in her passing, many others will rise to the occasion, including myself! I love and miss her dearly!
Linda Kelsey

Alisa said...

Psalm 139:16 He HAS indeed numbered our days, and that brings me great comfort. God is in control of ALL things.

Intentional Living Homestead said...

I only see through scripture that God the giver and "taker" of life. Satan is only aloud to go so far and NO more. God is GOD alone. And nothing passes the eye of God. But for anyone to try and figure this out...or try and get into the mind of God is WRONG. Read all of Job 38.

Broken hearted,
Connie

Renee said...

We do have questions don't we 8peasinapod. Clinging to God. In these times.

Renee said...

Thank you Linda for your comment. Love what you say about stepping in for her.

Renee said...

Thanks for your comment Alisa.

Renee said...

Praying for peace and grace for you Connie as you grieve.

Anonymous said...

I'm so thankful that we don't only have the book of Job to understand suffering. We need to remember that there are many many things that happened in Scripture that were not God's will. Beyond that, we have the "suffering servant" to show us how to live. I don't remember Jesus commenting on anyone's death by saying "their work here is done". No, He stood against death. In addition to Job, we need to study how our Lord and Savior interacted with sickness and death and how He entered into the grief of those grieving. I am praying for this dear family! I am praying they will see the love and kindness of God through many, many others in the coming days, weeks, months. God is faithful, and death is an enemy that will eventually be put under his feet.

- Alyssa

Renee said...

Thanks Alyssa for your thoughtful words. Like you said, we need to pray for the family. Such sadness and loss.

Renee said...

To anonymous: I appreciate very much the information you shared with me. I don't feel comfortable sharing your info here....up to the family to do that, so will not post your comment. Her death is tragic and the loss is great for the family. She rests in Jesus' arms , wrapped in love.