Conclusion
I do realize that even the best explanation of suffering cannot take away the pain we experience this side of heaven. However, as I consider some of my most painful trials and examine the implications of the “Seven C’s”, I am comforted to know that God’s eternal plan is greater than any suffering I ever will or have experienced.
I consider my brother Eddie and I can see God’s hand even in the midst of his untimely death at age 42. My brother became a Christian 10 years prior to his death. He too felt the pain of Creation’s fall and would sometimes say, “I don’t know why God just doesn’t save everyone.” Yet he was always willing to give testimony to the grace and mercy of God found in the cross. Eddie looked forward to the beauty of heaven and had often quoted to me, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man; The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)
Eddie was a great example of God’s ability to restore humankind. He overcame both drug and alcohol addictions and became one of the most loving, caring, faithful individuals I’ve ever met. He was always busy sharing the love of Christ with others. He was generous, upbeat, encouraging and eccentrically positive even in the midst of trials. Needless to say, he is missed today. Yet as much as I miss my brother Eddie and can’t understand the timing of his death, I know that if he could see me today his message would not change. He’d still say, “It’s all good!” And in light of God’s redemptive plan and the hope of eternity in heaven, it truly is.
References
Ref 1: Taken from a transcript of the 2006 Super Bowl Breakfast, found at http://www.familylife.com/fltoday/default.asp?id=9090
