How do you respond if a loved one learns that they have what is possibly terminal cancer? That is what I’ve been considering today.
The truth is, one does not form a theology of pain, suffering, grief, and loss in ten minutes. Normally it is not formed within twenty-four hours.
It is because I have studied the issue of the sovereign goodness and glory of God for a number of years that I have determined the following:
God works in men’s lives for the purpose of being glorified. “Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.” (Ps 30:11,12) KJV God works in the lives of men to give them joy that He might receive the praise and honor for His goodness toward men. The very reason that the Psalmist’s grief was replaced with great joy and gladness was so that he would sing praise to the Lord. Let us not forget that, while we live in a world that is cold, dark, and filled with trouble and grief, God is at work to glorify Himself by giving great joy to all who trust Him. That is why the child of God can say with assurance “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Rom 8:28 ) KJV It is often difficult to trust in God and His wise plan for our lives. It is a matter of fact that human nature revolts against pain and suffering and often wonders how a good God can permit (and even send) these things. In the end, however, God is able (and will) use all of these things not just for His glory, but for the eternal joy of His people. That is His promise and His passion. He will not fail to do so. Paul spoke with confidence saying “I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 8:38,39) KJV We, too, can rejoice knowing that neither cancer, nor heart disease, nor death of a spouse, nor death of a child, nor any other catastrophic even shall be able to prevent our loving God from glorifying Himself by giving us His joy forever. With this confidence we can obey the command “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thess 5:18 ) KJV
I do not know what the future may hold for me and my family. I do know that God is gloriously good, and that He is committed to glorifying Himself by causing us to rejoice in Him.
I must simply learn to appreciate God and find that joy that He has for me in all circumstances.
Just musing…
