A close friend of mine lost one of her children this past week; my heart breaks for her.  I called her, halfway hoping the call would go to voicemail; I didn’t know what to say.  When she answered my mind was at an absolute loss of what to say; so I told her so and that I was so very sorry for her loss. Praise God, her son knew Jesus, and his eternity is assured; but for the mom, wife, and children who are left behind; the pain is immeasurable.

I don’t think parents are wired for the loss of a child. I always knew that I would one day bury my parents.  The thought of losing my wife is painful, but I know it is a real possibility that will someday happen.  But, the loss of one of my two children; I cannot even think of such a thing. So, when I think about my friend and what she is going through, I can only fall on my knees and ask the Father to grant her grace beyond measure and peace that passes understanding.

Horatio Spafford suffered the loss of four of his children in a tragic event at sea.  He visited the approximate site where the ship sank; grief beyond description.  Later he penned the words, which are also my prayer for my friend and her dear family:

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

It is well (it is well), with my soul (with my soul),
It is well, it is well with my soul.

And Lord haste the day, when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Lord, we need your grace