Monday, September 24, 2007

Providence

I read about the death of John Piper's granddaughter this weekend and was immediately teary-eyed and nauseous. As we anxiously await Judah's arrival in 12 short weeks, I wanted to immediately go out and purchase a fetal heart monitor and keep 24 hour vigil until delivery.

The sovereignty of God is to me one of the most comforting and terrifying things imaginable. I am humbled and deeply impressed by the consistency of Piper's theology, whether talking about the I-35W bridge collapse or the death of his own granddaughter. Deep down I hope and pray that I never have the opportunity to display such a consistency in my own theology.

These words from his post disturb me deeply, and at the same time offer tremendous hope:


"This seems so preventable. By God and by man. Yes. So easy. But neither man nor God prevented this. Man, because he did not know it was happening. God, because he has his wise and loving reasons that we wait to learn with tears and trust."

Tears and trust. Tears and trust.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Shea, i can totally relate. Last week I didn't feel Julianna move for 24 hours and it concerned me. I'm not a worry wart and wanted to go on with my daily activity, but the nagging possibility that something was wrong wouldn't stop entering my mind. I told Damien and he of course tried "Everything" (except OJ - we didn't have any in the house) to no avail.

Finally I went to work and after another hour of nothing, called the doc's office and they said for me to go to the emergency room. I hated going, but knew that I should, just in case. Of course, Julianna kicked the moment after i signed in, but we chose to stay and hear the heartbeat (very strong, just hiding out deep within) since we were already there.

I felt stupid and relieved at the same time. Since then I keep OJ stocked for such an occasion and preach the Gospel to myself that He is control of every one of Julianna's days. They are already numbered and I can rest in that. I just wonder when they will start outside of the womb? LOL!

Damien and I are keeping you and your whole family in our prayers. It's an exciting time! Can't wait until I can meet Judah in person in '08!

Michelle Jones

Julie A. said...

what's the deal with OJ?