Today I was reminded that God is not shocked.
By anything. He’s not surprised at what’s happening in the world. He’s not surprised by a disease.
He’s not surprised by politics or politicians.
He’s not surprised by wars or rumors of wars.
He’s not distracted, derailed, or dethroned.
He’s not surprised by death.
In my own life, as I take time to process the unexpected loss of a good friend, I trust fully that God was not taken aback.
In fact, I find it significant and comforting to know that my friend completed the days that were assigned to him. I wish they were longer, but that’s just the unique position of heaven and earth. We’re here, and he is there. I wish that we could still be together. But I believe we’re both exactly where we are supposed to be.
It’s hard to accept fully. And of course, there are questions. I love questions. And sometimes I hate questions. Because sometimes there are no answers.
I understand wanting to ask why.
Why did this happen?
Why couldn’t he have been healed?
Why couldn’t there be a miracle?
I don’t have the answer to any of them. And frankly, I find little comfort in the asking. Because the asking somehow seems out of place.
Personally, I feel overwhelmed with peace. Peace that God knew the exact number of days. Peace that he knew the exact moment that earthly days would end, and heavenly ones would begin. Peace that while we feel loss, Phil does not. Phil is fully whole, in ways that, for now, we can only long for.
I feel peace that heaven is far, but heaven is close.
So I’m not asking questions. Not now at least. Not yet. Maybe not at all.
I’m thankful that while the sting of death is present now, it is not forever. I’m thankful for the deep comfort of knowing we will see Phil again.
I had somewhere in my head imagined that Phil would still be our buddy when we were all old and gray, and the reality of that loss is hurtful and maddening.
Heaven is far, but heaven is close.
So we’ll carry on, in our earthen vessels,
until we can all stand together again.
And what a day that will be.
Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]
John 14:27 AMP
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]
John 16:33 AMP
