Why, God?
On March 11 my niece was in a car accident in Michigan. The early morning fog made driving hazardous and her car collided with a utility vehicle. Suffering sever brain injuries, she was placed on life support for 4 days, then went home to be with Jesus.
Let me tell you about my niece Dana. She was 26 and full of life. She was a PICU nurse at a children’s hospital and helped save the lives of very sick children and babies. The little ones whose lives were not saved died in her arms. Her husband of less than two years adored her. A soldier who fought in Iraq for 4 years, he was emotionally numb by the horrors of war. She brought joy and feeling back into his life and led him to a saving faith in Jesus. Her two sisters loved her—they were the 3 Musketeers. Her parents who brought her into this world had to let her go too soon. So may we ask God why? Yes, we may ask that question. He knows what we are thinking anyway. But to demand an answer is another matter.
Let me share what I believe:
I believe God is always and forever good (Psalm 100:5).
I believe God is faithful (Deuteronomy 7:9).
I believe His love never fails (Psalm 36:5-7).
I believe God will give us strength to face our pain (Ephesians 3:16-21).
I believe I may not always understand His ways (Isaiah 55:9).
I believe that God is not accountable to me (Daniel 4:35).
I am not looking for answers because there aren’t any. Our days are numbered before we are born (Psalm 139:16), and Dana’s years on earth were already determined by God. Rather than looking for answers that aren’t there, I am looking to God and experiencing His peace that goes beyond my understanding. I am experiencing the joy and comfort that only He can give. And I am experiencing His presence every moment. In the midst of our grief, God has been sending our family visible reminders of His presence. One morning when I was on my way to care for my ailing in-laws, God gave me a gift in the sky. This is what I saw:
The Monday following Dana’s funeral, a meteorologist from Palm Beach who heard about her story sent this picture to her father:
The picture of Dana (above) was the last picture we have of her. She was in a make-up store trying on some bright red lipstick and her sister snapped a picture. Scroll back up to the picture. What do you see in the lower right corner?
God will never leave us or forsake us. God loves us and gives us strength and peace. His presence is with us, and His angels are among us. That’s all I need to know.
Crystal
Crystal, I am so sorry! I used to live in Michigan and know how bad the fog can be there. You and all your family are in our prayers.
A beautiful post, Crystal. Thank you for sharing your niece on here, her life and all those she touched around her with her love and joy.
And yes, sometimes there just aren’t answers. We just have to believe. Thanks for sharing those points you believe about Him. Sometimes though, like you, I’ve found the greatest comfort can be knowing that although I don’t understand the why, I know He loves me, and that He will never leave me nor forsake me. (Heb 13:5)
You and your family continue to be in my prayers.
Your faith shines through your grief, Crystal. I love the points on what you believe about God. I know he’s collecting your precious tears in a bottle (Psalm 56:8). He weeps with you and your family in your loss. Praying for you all with much love.
Thank you Donna, Wendy, and Linda for your beautiful comments. I am not sure we can fully experience God’s love and peace until we are suffering. His love is truly amazing!
Wishing you and your family continued courage and strength, Crystal. That photo from the meteorologist sends chills up my spine. What a gift to have that angelic image to hold on to as you grieve and rebuild your lives.
Much love,
Audrey
Praying for you and your family at this time of loss. This is a love post, Crystal. Your faith shines through in every word. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones.
Thank you for your willingness to share your faith and inspiration in the midst of such a great loss of your beloved niece. What a beautiful gift to the world Dana was. It makes me aware that God’s given very precious gifts that we should embrace the time we have together. I will take your words and meditate upon these scriptures to bring God’s peace strength and understanding into my broken times.
Hi Crystal,
I am so sorry for your loss. And I am so grateful for
you sharing this post. Amazing! As we celebrate the risen
Christ this week-end, we celebrate that He continues to give us signs of His presence – always – in the good times and in the most difficult of times. Thank you for sharing.
Marlene