NOVEMBER 24, Isaiah 55:9

Eric met his parents at the doorway. “Is Grandpa okay?” he asked anxiously. “Your grandfather isn’t suffering anymore,” Dad told him quietly. “He died this afternoon; he’s home in Heaven now.” Eric swallowed hard, forcing back tears that choked his throat. He walked away while Dad was still explaining.

In his room, Eric thought about all the things he and Grandpa had planned to do. “It’s not fair!” he muttered. He looked up as Dad came in. “I don’t get it,” Eric said. “I prayed all day for Grandpa. God can do anything, can’t He? So He could have healed Grandpa, but I don’t think He even heard me.”

“God always hears us, but sometimes the answer to what we ask for is a ‘no’,” said Dad gently. He paused, then added, “You know, Eric, it was time to let Grandpa go. He was missing Grandma an awful lot lately. They’re together in Heaven now, and someday we’ll see them again.”

Eric turned away from Dad’s quiet words. He was not ready to give up his grandfather. Dad sat down beside Eric. “When you ask Mom and me for something we don’t think is good for you, we would tell you ‘no’,” Dad reminded him. “You don’t like it when we say ‘no’. You might be upset about it, maybe even feel angry sometimes, but you know we love you and want what’s best for you, right?” Eric nodded. “We talk about what’s happening and how all of us feel, and we go on loving each other. We’re a family even though we disagree,” continued Dad. “Well, that’s how it is with God, too. When we don’t get what we ask Him for, we’re unhappy and sometimes get angry with Him. It’s okay to tell Him how we feel, but we need to remember how much God loves us and wants what’s best for us, and for Grandpa.”

“But I’m going to miss Grandpa so badly,” Eric said miserably. He rested his face against his dad’s shoulder.

Thought: Has someone you love died? Is someone sick? Tell God about your hurts and fears. Remember that His thoughts and His ways of doing things are much better than yours.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I will not always understand what is good for me or for others, but You do. May I trust in Your goodness, even when I do not understand. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.