DEALING WITH THE LOSS OF A CHILD
by: Jason Williams
How many of you have been in a relationship and lost someone you love? Maybe it was because of a break up and you are hurting badly and feel rejected. Maybe you even lost someone dear to you because of death. If so, then perhaps you are like me and you are asking God, “Why did you take this person from me?”
My wife and I tried for nearly two years to have children, and one day, a year ago this spring, we received the amazing news that we were expecting! We were overjoyed! We tried so hard to keep it a secret, but we were so happy we just couldn’t keep it from people. We told everyone we knew! The next couple of weeks were so exciting as we prepared for our first child. We came up with names, bought clothes, and started buying furniture. It was an amazing and exciting time.
One day, while my wife was on a trip, she began to get very sick. I told her to come home, and after a five hour trip home, I rushed her to the hospital. After an exhausting night in the hospital and several days of waiting and praying, we received the news that we had lost our baby. Our joy had turned to heartache in just a couple of quick days.
Like many of you we asked the question, “Why?”
It was during this very difficult time in my life when I was asking God why He took my child, that He showed me Psalm 61. Psalm 61 is a Psalm of healing. It details all the things that God gives us. As I read this chapter, it was as if God was saying to me. “Yes, I did take your baby, but look at all of the things that I have given you.”
“Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah. For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name. Thou wilt prolong the king’s life: and his years as many generations. He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him. So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.”
As you read this list I hope you will realize what an amazing and giving God we serve.
1. His ear – He hears my cry.
2. His strength – I am not strong, but He is.
3. His shelter – He keeps me from pain I cannot bear.
4. His defense – He defends me from attacks I cannot face.
5. His house – church or a quiet place to spend time alone with Him. (For me it is at the altar of our church when no one else is around)
6. His cover – He puts His arms around me and covers me with His love.
7. A heritage – my family. If you do not have a traditional family, then the family of God is your heritage. If you are hurting, your church is there to hurt with you and help you along.
8. Life – the life He has given us all is so much better than we know. We could have been born anywhere or anytime. God gave you a life that is perfect for you.
9. His time – He is always willing to listen to me.
10. His eternality – He is always the same.
11. His mercy – I deserve Hell, but He gave me mercy.
12. His truth – He cannot lie, and that means I am guaranteed a home in Heaven.
13. His preservation – He preserves me.
14. A chance to praise Him
Your loss is a gift from God! He looked down from Heaven and deemed you worthy to glorify Him! What a gift! To think that God would think I am worthy to praise Him blows my mind! I am just a sinner, but He looked past my sin and gave me a trial so that I can stand in front of others and tell them that He is good!
Because God took our baby, I have been able to stand in front of our church and praise Him! So many people came to me afterwards and told me that the testimony made them realize just how good God is! That night a politician texted me and told me our testimony caused his faith in God to grow! What a gift God gave me! The chance to glorify Him!
If you are going through a loss, be strong. Jesus has given you a wonderful gift – A chance to tell others that He is good. Praise Him today for His gifts!
Jason Williams
Assistant Pastor
High Street Baptist Church
Columbus, OH
churchonhigh.wordpress.com