These six things became revelation knowledge to my family during the tragic loss of our son Micah in 1999. I trust these lessons will be of some comfort in knowing and experiencing the awesomeness of our God.
II. “All things work together for the Good of those of love God and are called according to HIS purpose”- When I see what all God has done through Micah’s death, it causes me to stand in awe of HIS greatness and amazing way of taking something so horrific to the natural mind and causing so much good from it; even in the midst of so much pain and heart ache. Many lives have been renewed in their faith, homes and marriages restored and doors opened for the gospel from this life. John 12 23-26 is true - and Jesus said, “Truly, truly I say unto you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it; and he who hates his life in this world shall keep it to life eternal. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall My servant be also be; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.”
III. “His Grace is sufficient for us and HIS strength is made perfect in our weaknesses”- This was a direct impact on my ship, much like the Titanic connecting with the iceberg, I was knocked down on the deck. It is amazing how the prayers of the people, them sharing the burden of the loss of this life with you will sustain you and preclude one from falling into the depths of grief, depression and self-pity, God is truly our refuge.
IV. “Be anxious for nothing, but by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be known unto God and the peace of God that passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ” – If we ever needed peace, now was our appointed time. God’s Supernatural Peace permeated our home, the visitation at the funeral home, our entire family, friends, the church and the gravesite. God’s unquestionable peace stilled the troubled waters of our souls.
V. “Never Say What If” - When we were on our way to the wreck site when the Alabama State Trooper helicopter found Micah’s jeep, my wife and I were riding together. I was very quiet thinking about all of my next 20 steps and what was going to be required out of me and she softly said, “John, we have been married for 27 years and 24 of those we have been faithfully walking with HIM, he will see us through all of this. There was a pause and she said this, “lets make each other a promise right now before we get to the wreck and as we walk through all of this, let’s never say what if? These two words were revelation to us for these small words have been the most powerful of all in our walk through this endeavor. These two words have kept us from questioning the sovereignty of God, HIS wisdom, HIS direction and have protected us from falling into deep grief and self-pity. Never Say What If?
VI. “Have No Unfinished Business - Owe no man nothing but to love him” – As I sat on our sofa about 25 minutes after leaving the wreck site, friends were pouring in the house and I was pondering everything. The thought occurred to me as I sat on that sofa with my family and I blurted out to those with us there, “you know what is so good about all of this, we had no unfinished business.” I realized that Micah owed no man anything but to Love them, he had no unfinished business. Around our house and I hope it is like this around your house, we only say I love you to each other only about 250 times a day, even our African Grey Parrot will say “Love Y’all” when we go our the door in the morning. Even when Micah hung up the phone from his friends he would say, “I love you.” Please do not let the sun go down on your anger; it will only defile you and those around you. Owe no man anything, but to Love them.
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