My pastor has an earned doctorate in theology from the University of Toronto. He did it while pastoring a church and being a father to four children and it took many years. For his graduation, his wife planned a huge surprise party with all their friends and family. That morning, he went golfing with the person designated to bring him to the party at the proper hour. Towards the end of their game, his friend teed off and the ball sliced viciously around and smashed into his chin, opening up a gash that poured out blood. His friend debated whether to rush him to the emergency room or to haul the poor guy to the party and chose the party. That was how they made their entrance. After enduring lots of bad jokes and pictures, his friend took him to the hospital while everyone partied on. He said wryly, 'This is just one more thing I will have to ask God about.'
But like Abraham he also said, I don't understand but I believe.
Another pastor has a wife who died unexpectedly in a car accident. He said, don't ask me how I am because you don't want to know. The pain is unendurable.
But like Abraham, he too does not understand but he believes.
A friend's son-in-law became suddenly ill. She called all her friends to pray and she has worldwide contacts. But he died in a just a few days. Her daughter collapsed at the hospital with heart failure, the broken heart syndrome. She too will have to climb a mountain and say I don't understand but I believe.
[added March 19,2005. Her pastor quoted C.H. Spurgeon during the funeral:]
God is too good to be unkind.
He is too wise to be confused.
If I cannot trace his hand,
I can always trust His heart.
In the midst of his suffering Job said, "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him."
And who is this who inspires such trust from these people? Someone whose face they know and whose voice they've heard. Someone who has walked with them for years. Someone whose heart they know is good.
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