THE SHEPHERD’S CORNER

It was rather hard to see Tante Sin at the funeral service of her daughter, Lita Rankin. She was utterly heart-broken. I can understand why. My mother has lost both my father and my brother but she lost more when she lost my brother. I am sure losing a spouse or a child is equally painful but I imagine the pain is different. There is something “not right” about losing a child; what is “right” is: It is we who have to go first, not them!THE SHEPHERD’S CORNER

It was rather hard to see Tante Sin at the funeral service of her daughter, Lita Rankin. She was utterly heart-broken. I can understand why. My mother has lost both my father and my brother but she lost more when she lost my brother. I am sure losing a spouse or a child is equally painful but I imagine the pain is different. There is something “not right” about losing a child; what is “right” is: It is we who have to go first, not them!

But, God has decided and we will never know the reason why He chose to take somebody first over somebody else. We might think that it would be a much better plan if we went first but in His infinite wisdom, He disagreed with our assessment. He thought it would be better if we remained. It does not necessarily mean that His plan for us is better than the plan for the loved one He has taken. No, it simply means His plan that has us in it requires a longer time. Not better, just longer.

Last Wednesday in our prayer meeting and Bible Study, my wife Santy shared something beautiful—at least to me. She likened us to tea bags. In order for the flavor to come off it has to be dipped in hot water—life’s hard times. You see, God has to dip us in hot and difficult situation so we can emit spiritual blessings. Amen to that.

I would like to add something to her parable. God lets some tea bags stay in the cups for a long time but He pulls some out after only a short time. The reasons vary. Sometimes He really wants to make strong tea—so He lets the tea bags stay for a long time. But, sometimes He does not. And, don’t forget: Some types of tea do require longer time to emit their flavors. You see, our part is just to trust Him—that He knows how to make the best tea!

Pastor Paul

But, God has decided and we will never know the reason why He chose to take somebody first over somebody else. We might think that it would be a much better plan if we went first but in His infinite wisdom, He disagreed with our assessment. He thought it would be better if we remained. It does not necessarily mean that His plan for us is better than the plan for the loved one He has taken. No, it simply means His plan that has us in it requires a longer time. Not better, just longer.

Last Wednesday in our prayer meeting and Bible Study, my wife Santy shared something beautiful—at least to me. She likened us to tea bags. In order for the flavor to come off it has to be dipped in hot water—life’s hard times. You see, God has to dip us in hot and difficult situation so we can emit spiritual blessings. Amen to that.

I would like to add something to her parable. God lets some tea bags stay in the cups for a long time but He pulls some out after only a short time. The reasons vary. Sometimes He really wants to make strong tea—so He lets the tea bags stay for a long time. But, sometimes He does not. And, don’t forget: Some types of tea do require longer time to emit their flavors. You see, our part is just to trust Him—that He knows how to make the best tea!

Pastor Paul