The daily devotional from Proverbs 31 Women on September 9th referenced Romans 8:28.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
The author talked about how in the span of one year, she was diagnosed with cancer, suffered a miscarriage, moved across the country to a city where she knew no one, and understandably became severely depressed.
Many of the bereaved parents I know have described similar times when it seemed crisis after crisis occurred in a short timeframe during which they also lost their child. For most of us, child loss is by far the most devastating occurrence we have suffered. None of the other losses or crises can compare, but the sum total of the blows can leave us wondering what we’ve done to bring down God’s wrath.
It’s impossible to see any good works in this barrage of hardships and tragedies. Especially for those who have professed their love for God, and for us who believe we have a calling and purpose from Him. When you are in the midst of great grief, every new calamity, misfortune, or small misstep is just additional proof that God doesn’t care. He’s left us in the dark.
The author of the P31 devotional describes how she felt prompted to research flowers that bloomed at night. She says she found references to quite a few plants that only bloom in deep darkness and cold weather. The blooms wither when the sun starts to rise. Hardly anyone ever sees them, but God made them anyway. The author says:
Even in suffering, loss, and devastation, God is growing deep roots forged through the hard and holy places of darkness. Even in our hidden faithfulness, our tears at night, and the uncomfortable place of brokenness, God is still working. (Hope in the Darkness by Nicole Jacobsmeyer)
In God, all things have meaning and purpose. Even the hard, awful, devastating things. Like child loss. I can’t profess to understand why my daughter had to die. Just at a point when her life was moving in such a positive direction. She loved God. I know she felt she had a calling and a purpose to fulfill. And I believe she did fulfill her purpose, even if I disagree with God’s timeline of her life here on Earth.
1 Peter 5:10 says:
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace,
who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ,
will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
I have to remind myself that God’s concept of “suffering a little while” might be different from mine. Still, all those things that make me sad, angry, confused, suffer – in all those things – God is working behind the scenes.
And some sweet day, All Things will be restored and revealed
according to His purpose.
Laura
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