During my birthday celebration (2 days ago), I began the day with prayers of thanksgiving and I was very happy because of the calls, texts, and mails of well wishes I received. When it was noonday, I reached out to my brother in faith whom I pray and share the word daily with. I did that to hear about the well-being of his mother who was lying lifeless in the hospital.
The woman's complication started about two weeks ago, last week I was invited to pray for her in the hospital. I prayed with all of my heart because of how close I am to the woman and her son and the present situation I came to meet. This prayer came with full assurance in my spirit that God heard me. After the prayers I encouraged my friend that his mum will be sound again.
With this hope in mind, I got a text on my birthday that the woman is "dead." I cried so bitterly with no one to console me. You may wonder where I got the energy to type this; actually, I force myself to write this because there are many people in my situation, had been in my situation or will be in my situation (which I'm not praying it should happen).
This question rang in my mind when I got myself in order: "what do you do when your faith fails?" The scene in the hospital kept reflecting in my mind - how I encouraged my friend, his siblings and aunties that "mummy will come back to life." Also, I can remember using several bible scriptures to pray for her, yet I received such news on my birthday.
With tears in my eyes I didn't have the courage to call my friend again; what scripture will I tell him this time?
One lesson I learnt - God is the healer! If He restores, glory to God; if He doesn't, glory be to God. I played my role by exercising my faith, while my father in heaven knows the right role to play so I left it to Him who knows best.
Certainly I know "...when He tries me, I'll come forth as gold."
To my readers, do not lose faith over anything you lost on earth. He can restore the years the caterpillars have eaten. My faith till date is built on HIM, nothing shakes it.
This is my confidence, what is yours?
Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.
Job 13:15