Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Joy Through Sorrow and Suffering

It is said of Jesus by Isaiah that He was "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief."  In the book Hinds feet in High places, he had to walk with two twins for a time...sorrow and suffering. At times in our lives, the footprints of Jesus that we follow lead us down that pathway. But who would have it any other way, for it is during these times that His Holy Spirit and presence comforts us in ways that we never knew of before. It is here that the ministry and love of the saints lift us up. It is here that we find that "he hath borne our griefs , and carried our sorrows." What a kind and loving Saviour.
Sometimes I feel like we are walking hand in hand with these two twins.
Years ago (over 27 to be exact) Linda and I decided to to embrace as many children as God would entrust us with. This isn't everyone's decision, but it was ours and we are content in it. Now when you make a decision like that, you realize that you just "may" have children when you are in your 40's, or maybe even in your 50's. Society says that is unwise, irresponsible. Women over 40 miscarry around 25% of the time, and it is to that pathway that this post leads us today.
Linda and I were so excited to be able to announce in a few weeks that we were blessed with another child, but God had other plans. She started spotting last weekend and then Sunday miscarried the baby. At almost 12 weeks here is what he\she would have looked like, being almost 2 inches long.


The wounds of the heart are fresh and open. Grief a reality. Tears a flowing. But in all, we bless the Lord, who has given and has taken away. Never does he ever make any mistakes. Never does He leave us or forsake us. Into His loving hands we commit our child....into the perfect world of heaven, where there is no sorrow or suffering. Trusting in the Lord with all our heart, we find His purpose and love and grace and peace to be sufficient, nay more than sufficient for all our needs. So, if you have a minute today, could you lift us up before the throne of Grace, especially for my dear sweet wife.
Realizing more than ever, that our lives are but a vapour...may we live them out before the presence of our Loving Shepard.

5 comments:

  1. I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I'm sure Victoria welcomed the little one with open arms. It's sure hard to know why God does what He does sometimes but how comforting to know that He is in control and has a reason for what He does. We have been and will continue to pray for Linda and the rest of the family as well. We love you all!

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  2. We are so sorry for your loss! I know you would have welcomed this baby with all the love and joy in the world, but I also know that you will still praise and bless the Lord even in the midst of this grief. Your family is such an inspiration to me in the way you so cheerfully and willingly accept God's plan for you, whether it seems good OR bad. Love to you all, and prayers that Jesus will wrap His arms tightly around you all and give you His perfect peace! xoxox

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  3. We are so sorry for your loss. May Jesus comfort you all as only He can. God is faithful. He entrusted (blessed) you again. You are all an amazing testimony in how you choose to take the hands of Sorrow and Suffering in your ascent to the high places. May the Good Shepherd hold you close and comfort you as once again the thorn of grief has penetrated your hearts. We will continue to pray for you.
    Spud and Miriam and family

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  4. How bittersweet the moment - rejoicing in new life in the same breath as regretting the long absence. I am so grateful for the grace and courage God is pouring through your lives . . . and I can't wait to someday meet this wee lay-away baby of yours.
    Much love,
    Cara

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