The Unexpected

My silence for the last three months, now, has been a result of some unexpected things. The last newsletter I sent out was in early July. Shortly after, my mother-in-law became sick. We thought it was simple, and would be easily corrected. Surgery was performed, and she became worse. Two weeks after going in the hospital, she was told she had cancer. She went into the hospital one week later, and a week after that she was gone.

For the last three years, my wife, mother-in-law, and I had lived under the same roof. Something most people can't do. I learned to "grit it and bear it", and grew to love her as a second mother. We all learned to work together, depend upon each other, and help each other. Losing her has been very difficult.

No one had any idea she was ill, and definitely not close to death. We thought she was in perfect health, and so did she. But, death can be a cruel agent in life. He slips in when unexpected, taking away those who believe they have years ahead. He chooses old, and young; weak and strong; sick and well.

My wife was very close to her mother, and being rather young, it has been a terrible blow to her. Instead of watching my wife wallow in misery and pain, she has instead realized how great a benefit it is to be saved. The Holy Spirit is a great comfort in this world, and it is times like these that help us to remember how great of a Comforter He is!

It has been quiet, and strange without her. Our lives are forever changed. But it is great to know where your loved ones are. There is no doubt or question in our minds where my wife's mother is. The Bible says, that by their fruits you will know whether one is a Christian or not. My mother-in-law bore those fruits, abundantly. I know she would not want to come back, even if she could.

We nearly lost my own mother, two weeks after the funeral. She is doing well now, making a remarkable recovery. But she came very close to Death's Door as well.

Sometimes the unexpected comes, and it shakes us terribly. The Unexpected throws our lives into shambles, and many allow the Unexpected to destroy them. The Saviour has a plan in those Unexpected times. It's hard to see, and yes, understand, but His Plan will change us, and make us into what He wants us to be.

Change is good, but change also hurts.

The verses that have helped me, and brought to my mind the most lately, has been Deuteronomy 31:6, and II Corinthians 12:9 & 10.

"Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." Deuteronomy 31:6

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in mine infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."
II Corinthians 12:9 & 10