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Learning from Death

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.  Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

 

Have you ever watched a loved one struggle with pain, growing disability, and approaching death? Perhaps you asked yourself, "Why doesn't God just let her die?"

I don't have a complete answer for you. We live in a fallen, sin-scarred world, and much of what happens falls far short of God's original plan.

But I do know this: even when we can't understand why God allows things like this to happen. He still can be trusted to do what is right. God is sovereign, and He knows what is best--for you, for the person who is suffering, and for all those affected by their suffering. In God's time, He will take the suffering saint to be with Him.

When someone is suffering or dying, we should ask God to teach us whatever lessons He has for us in this experience. Sometimes, I believe, God allows a loved one to linger because family members need to come together and be reconciled to each other. God also may use situations like this to teach us how to love others who are in need and to remind us of the brevity of life.

From, HOPE for Each Day: Morning & Evening Devotions, by Billy Graham.