Thorns and Roses

I logged on here to write my post about the good things of God, but just as I did, I received a text that has broken my heart into pieces.

My brother had texted shortly before to share the wonderful news that his wife is carrying a boy. I had just shared the news with a dear friend and had no idea that anything could puncture the feeling of excitement and joy my brother's words brought to me...until I received her reply.

"Congratulations -----'s baby boy didn't make it."

A precious, sweet young woman is grieving this morning, her husband by her side I am sure. Their beautiful little blessing was overdue for delivery. He never even took his first breath. I cannot even begin to imagine what they are going through; it must be unbearable. Yet, God will strengthen and comfort His children, as He has done for Mrs. Karen and Mr. Dale. Only He can heal this pain.

I think back to Job and how his unwavering trust in God throughout his own suffering caused him to continue to praise the Lord while losing everything. How could a human be so faithful, so loyal, when facing the pain He faced? He was grounded in Truth, The Lord was the foundation for his soul, and God gave him the strength to walk through it. He didn't have to go alone, even though I'm sure he felt quite alone in his troubles.

I pray they they will draw even closer to their Creator and will allow His grace to be their strength through this very difficult time.

I named this post "Thorns and Roses" to serve as a reminder to me that all things God-given are good and will ultimately work for good in our lives. It's really hard to see the good in the loss of a beautiful rose--a newborn sweetie--but God has a sovereign plan for that sweet, little soul. He completed his work on earth for the Lord, however short, and has been called back to his Eternal Father's bosom. Perhaps someday God's plan will be revealed. And, although the prick of the thorn of death hurts, and must be gouging deep wounds in the hearts of those precious parents, we must remember that God will be glorified in this and He is to be praised even in the midst of the storm.