Made Perfect through Suffering

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:18

Last weekend I attended a funeral for a little baby who died at 7 months gestation. His name was Maxwell and even though he never took a breathe of earthly air, he touched a lot of lives. The baby never had to suffer; but, was delivered out of this world and into heaven, absent from the body, present with the Lord. The parents had their son's perfect little footprints on display, along with what would have been his first outfit. When our friend, Tom, the Grandpa got up to speak, he said that often his daughter would call him to come over and fix something; but this one he could not fix.

The young parents attributed all their strength to The Lord for getting them through this time. Their love for each other and for God was amazing to obseve. Tremendous pain, but a purpose, you could already see, visibly see & hear God's Love, as they tenderly spoke to each other. This tragedy was bringing them closer, increasing their love and respect for each other. They stood together as a unit, united in pain, united in faith, united in hope, it brings me to tears as I remember it right now.

Just like Tom, the Grandpa, I wanted to say something, do something, anything to ease their suffering somehow. But God is not short-sighted, He is long-sighted. He sees past, present and future and He was a great plan for their lives. I believe that everyone grieved with this beautiful couple; but, also rejoiced to see that God was at work, and He was glorified.

(excerpt Made Perfect Through Suffering, by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman:)
"Our Father's love is too true to be weak. Because He loves His children, He chastises them that they may be partakers of His holiness. With this glorious end in view, He spares not for their crying. Made perfect through sufferings, as the Elder Brother, Jesus, was; the sons of God are trained up to obedience and brought to glory through much tribulation."