His Ways are Not Our Ways

On Wednesday, August 17, the Girlfriends gathered once again to enjoy a meal together and share our journeys. As with most groups our size, not everyone can make each gathering. This was no exception. Our sister, Sarah, had a lot going on. She needed to take care of herself and her family. 

The rest of us have been there…work, sick family member, house renovations, returning from vacation…and the list goes on; it is easy to understand why she couldn’t join us. This time would be Elizabeth, Miriam, Rebecca, Anna, and me, Ruth.

We are all drawn to the water and sand and with Elizabeth living at the lake, it is the perfect place for summer gatherings. 

It was a beautiful afternoon with blue skies and a few high clouds, a great day for a drive to South Haven with friends. We arrived and used Elizabeth’s home as the meeting place. Earlier one of us had suggested dinner at Captain Lou’s. 

Elizabeth is very familiar with the local eateries. She wasn’t sure if there would be room for a group our size. We decided to walk by and see with an alternative location in mind if there wasn’t a table. Not a problem that evening, there were plenty of tables on the deck in a narrow hall between two buildings.

We tried a couple of tables before settling down and looking at the menu. Elizabeth suggested one of the fish entrees and we all ordered. About that time our telephones started ringing. We all had a message from the church. One of our members, a young woman, mother, wife, missionary, servant of our Lord who had been fighting the good fight with cancer for three years had passed away an hour earlier. 

Along with our congregation and many others, we had prayed regularly for complete healing this side of heaven. In our minds, this would have been the perfect time for a miracle. We all believed God could and would heal our dear friend. 

Not. This. Time.

Why? Why not? Why now? The tone of the evening quickly changed from one of laughter and fun to one of serious need for prayers. Prayers for the husband and children left behind, prayers to help us help them, prayers to help us know what to do, prayers. 

We finished our meals and walked back to Elizabeth’s home to pray. Through choked voices and tears we lifted our thoughts and petitions to the Lord. We admitted we didn’t understand. We admitted it didn’t seem fair. We admitted we know that God is in control. We asked why couldn’t this woman stay with us and continue to witness this side of heaven and make a huge difference for His kingdom. We asked a lot of things knowing that God loves us and already knows what is on our hearts. 

We closed holding hands. Elizabeth suggested a walk along the Lake. It was peaceful. It was reflective. God knew we needed to be together that evening and He orchestrated for us to love on and support each other during this most difficult time.

Since this time I have dug into my Bible about death and dying. There are verses about death and dying; however, in the end that is not what I got out of all those verses.

1. God is in Control. I did review a recent Bible study on the book of Daniel where I was reminded that Daniel stayed the course, even when tempted, because he knew that God was in control. His timing is perfect. I need to remember this even when that hurts, when things seem out of control, when life doesn’t go the way I believe it should. His timing is perfect. He is in control.

2. His ways are different than our ways. Isaiah 55:8 tells us “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” Even though in my eyes our friend should still be here witnessing for the Lord, God knows better. Is He saving our friend from something? Will her death bring him more glory? I trust that God has done what was best for our friend.

3. All of our days on earth are numbered. Psalm 39:4 “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is.” No one will live forever here on earth, but believers will have eternal life in heaven.

4. We are not meant to do life alone. We need each other, especially at times such as this. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us: “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” We need each other for love and support, to point us to God and His ways, and to remind us He is in control.

Until we meet again…

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. 


Ruth

Praises Abound!

It’s a beautiful day in my little (new) hometown of South Haven, Michigan! I love living in such a cozy, tight-knit community, while we welcome the tourists that join us every year. I mentioned to friends earlier this year, I love living in a town where you can hear the church bells ring at noon and 6pm. Just feels good. God has blessed this state with some of the most beautiful beaches and lakes on the planet and my girlfriends from Kalamazoo came to visit South Haven for our monthly girl’s dinner in July. 

We met at one of my local favorites, Taste, in downtown South Haven. It is an eclectic mix of small plates, full dinner plates, scrumptious salads, and the best martinis in town! The chef, Joel, is famous locally, and gaining notoriety beyond Southwest Michigan. 

I don’t know why, but I can’t pass up my favorite dish each time I visit Taste. I love the red beet, pear, and goat cheese salad, along with the sautéed scallops in garlic butter, with wonderful bread for dipping! Yum! The girls branched out in their choices and partook of other wonderful dishes, like tip steak and fish tacos.

Our monthly get-togethers are very important to us, and force us to set aside time for friendship, support, laughter, and Christian fellowship. We know that we need each other, and this month our conversations were filled with many praises that we shared. 

Miriam shared that her son had a great trip to China and was getting ready to return to the US, so we all keep him on our prayer list for safe travels home. What a great experience for a young man! 

Sarah is counting down the days to her official retirement and we gave thanks for the circumstances surrounding her departure from her long term employer. Though it remains a bit of an anxious time with some uncertainties, we know that God has her back and is planning so much more for her future beyond the 9-5 routine! 

Ruth had a huge praise and announcement that her youngest daughter is expecting her first child, and Ruth’s 2nd grandchild. What a blessing! We pray for good health for both mom and baby! 

Anna also shared some wonderful news about her oldest son… he got engaged to his longtime sweetheart, and invited all the parents to participate in the engagement event! What a wonderful time for Anna to be part of this beautiful demonstration of love. Prayers for this young couple as they enter this exciting time in their life. 

Rebecca also had a big praise that her son had landed a fantastic new job that will set him up for great experiences in the entertainment industry. Also, her grandson is progressing well and is a happy, healthy 2-year old! 

As for me, my praise is that my youngest son is planning his September wedding, and that my husband and I have been able to find a place, and a new church in our new community, and we are starting to feel at home here! 

God is good, all the time!

We all remain concerned for a friend who is battling cancer at a very young age, but we continue to have faith that God will show us His will for her life. She has been such a strong woman through her illness, it gives all of us strength and encouragement as we continue to pray for her.

I am so blessed to be surrounded by these faithful, supportive women. I don’t think I could do life on this earth without them. Love you all!

Elisabeth.