Grow in Grace

“. . . grow in the grace and knowledge of our

Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory

both now and forever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)

Children of God should grow each day. Our new growth strengthens our beliefs. Even when we have times of questioning we come out stronger.

In 1996, my husband, our son and I helped move my dad and stepmother into a nice brick home from a mobile home. They had lived in the country for about 25 years. Both of them had developed major health issues and Dad wanted them to be located where help could get to them quickly if needed.

Two months later, my stepmother and her sister stopped by our home. They had just come from the doctor’s office at the hospital down the street. My stepmother, Ginny, had been told she had Breast Cancer again. In 1989, she had a mastectomy. With this reoccurrence, she knew she couldn’t have surgery. They asked me to take her to her appointments-doctor and treatment. Dad could not drive at that time.

I agreed to help them. Margaret, her sister would be in town over each weekend and on Mondays and would take her to those appointments. I was to take her Tuesday through Friday.

 I was angry with God. Every question I had for Him started with the word, “WHY?” She had been seven months from the seven year mark-the time when a Cancer patient was deemed “cured.”

They had just moved into a beautiful house. My dad was right at one year post-op from heart bypass surgery. WHY? WHY HER? WHY AGAIN? WHY NOW?

 One day, I sat on our bed and looked out the open window onto our backyard. The grass was green. Our Locust tree nearest our house was all leafed out and shaded half the yard. A gentle breeze came in the window. I found myself asking those same questions yet again.

 I sat there for quite a while. I rose and went back to what I had been doing. I didn’t receive any answers to those questions. Because of having that talk with God, I managed to be there for Ginny.

Each day I drove to their home I passed the Christian Family bookstore. On their electronic sign was this scripture: “For I know the plans I have for you. . . plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

 If I hadn’t been going to Dad and Ginny’s, I might not have seen that message. As I made each trip, I found myself looking forward to seeing those words. They gave me courage to do what I had to do for my family.

God doesn’t always answer our questions. Instead, He chooses to walk beside us, to strengthen us, to teach us as we travel through this life. He makes our lives richer when we honestly seek Him. He does this as we grow in His  great love.