sad today

I got a call today that my uncle who is suffering from cancer just had to go into hospice care. My uncle received the Lord a few months ago, so we are very, very thankful for that, but it is sad when you consider that a whole life could have been spent walking with God.

I wish he had accepted the Lord early enough to really know Him. So, I am waiting to hear from my mother for more details, the kind of call you dread. This makes me very sad.

Then right after church today we went to see one of our favorite Crossroads members, Ben. He was not feeling well the past few days and by the time they got him to the hospital and diagnosed he was in really bad shape! It was very hard to visit him because we care so much about him. He has congestive heart failure and his kidneys were failing as well. We prayed with him, talked to him and tried to comfort and reassure his wife. Even in the shape he was in, as he drifted in and out of consciousness, he teased me. I gave it right back to him which made him smile. It made me very sad to see him this way.

Some preachers teach the false doctrine saying if you pray to the Lord believing strongly enough, He will grant your every wish. False! He sees the universe in its entirety, every age all at one time. He knows what will happen next, He knows how our action or lack of action today will affect our tomorrow. He knows every sick person by name, they are after all His creation. I understand as much as I am able with my limited perspective. One thing I do know is that He chooses not to heal every person. This makes me sad, but I totally trust Him.

"And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good." Romans 8:28 esv

My uncle and Ben both know the Lord and believe this promise, and tonight they both rest in his arms as they sleep.