I have always wanted two sons. And God has honored my request by giving me Christopher and Andrew. But what many of you don't know is that I have three children. No, not from another marriage, or out of wedlock, or before I met Theresa, or from her before she met me. In between my two sons, Theresa had a miscarriage, and we have a child in heaven, one we have never yet to hold, but have loved and will be united with some day. I can remember the news when Dr. Pirnat explained that she had miscarried. He explained that they don't know why, maybe the child had its thumb in its ear too far. But God knew, and knows, and in His infinite mercy allowed this child to by-pass the horrors of earth, and go directly into glory. No initial crying when born-that alone ought to tell us how we all come into the world, and no stress that living on earth provides. Just eternal bliss, without the pain we have here. God showed mercy, that while this child never knew this world, it was and is alive-and in heaven with Jesus! Not only a comforting thought, but a truth as well-with the promise that if we choose Jesus we will be united with him or her someday.
But like I said, I have two sons, and God gave us Andrew after we lost our second child. A true blessing, disguised in all the things boys can be, and then all the things you wish they wouldn't. But God honored my desire, and gave me my second son. Not as a replacement for the one lost before birth, but in addition to, as no child should ever replace another. He chose to bless me with three children, but keeps me patient, yet anxious to meet the child I have never seen. I believe He calls it love, and I cannot describe it, nor will I try. Words will only lessen it. But in God and this situation, I have seen mercy, I have seen grace, and a side of God I would not have known under different circumstances. I have seen a glimpse of a grieving father, and have an insight to what God felt when He saw His son on the cross-dying for us.
It is sad that the God who gives life, allowed Adam and Eve's second son to be taken by murder. Perhaps this speaks of the evil heart of man, but God showed mercy to Eve in her mourning, and gave her Seth, in place of her slain son Abel. And the Bible makes an interesting comment after his birth, that this was the time that men began to call upon the name of the Lord. And Seth was not given to replace Abel, but in place of the one who had been taken from her.
God also knows the tragedy of losing a child, as He gave His only son. Not to replace one lost, but in our place, because we were lost. And through Jesus we will be reunited with God in heaven. With Abel, and Seth, and our second child, and all the others who have preceded us into eternity in heaven. To those who have lost a child, I cannot, nor do I desire to understand what you feel, but God does. That hole in your heart can only be filled by a loving God, so you must let Him. And sometimes it means letting go, and holding onto that which you cannot hold, that you cannot see, or cannot feel. But your faith, your trust tells you Jesus is there, and only His tender spirit can comfort. I pray you let Him today.
Heaven will be filled with so many who never knew life on earth, but know life in heaven. God's mercy and grace extend to all the heavens, and are not restricted to earth. To those lost before birth, or aborted, or who died too early for us, they wait patiently for us. And will greet us, and when we are in the Lord's presence we will wonder why we ever doubted, or mourned-the glory will be so overwhelming. But as for now, we must be patient, and encourage others to seek Jesus-their only hope. Who tells us today is the day of salvation-let it be yours. And also says that He is patient that none should perish. But reminds us that no man or child is promised tomorrow. Don't confuse delaying with waiting-seek Him today. And let Him comfort you, so that you may comfort others. Pray for those who are considering an abortion-let them know of the precious life inside them. They may consider it not a child, but if it isn't, then are they really pregnant?
The gift of two sons God has given me has brought me closer to God than I ever thought I would be. A blessing sometimes through anger and pain, but always ending in love. And I must confess, I am a sucker for a happy ending. But also a sucker for a happy now. Enjoy your family while you can, they grow up too fast, and start their own. Share Jesus with them now, as tomorrow may be too late. And to those who have loved ones in heaven, remember King David's words when told about the loss of his son. "I can go to him, but he cannot come to me." Someday soon, going with Him, someday soon...
love from a compassionate father of three,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com