The Loss of a Son

This last week, a family involved in the ministry lost their brother/son at the age of 22. Marvin died at home with his family at his side after a long struggle with brain tumors. Many people had prayed for Marvin, asking the Lord to heal him, yet the Lord chose to take him home. For Marvin, his suffering is over; he is in heaven with the Lord and no longer has any pain or sorrow. For those left behind, although, the loss is overwhelming.
It is hard to understand why God would heal some and not others, but I am learning, it is not necessarily for us to understand. As believers, we are to trust the Lord in all things, even when it doesn't make sense to us. In our humanness, we would have thought that healing Marvin would have been the best option, but God knew something we obvioulsy didn't, and He took Marvin home to be with Him.
My heart broke for his parents and I thought about how I would feel if I had to experience the loss of a child. Honestly, I have no idea how I would handle that kind of grief. But, as I prayed for Marvin's family, the Lord impressed upon me that He understands even this depth of grief and is more than able to comfort and sustain those left behind. He too has lost a son.
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
The life we live on this earth is but a brief moment in light of eternity. For Marvin, his real life has now begun. For us, we need to continue to trust the Lord in all things, living in a manner honouring to Him. In this way we will be prepared to be called home at whatever moment the Lord determines, so we too, can begin our real life.
Blessings,
Karren