*This weeks blog is dedicated to my dad (Don Blauvelt) who passed away last Wednesday.
Jeremiah 29:11
English Standard Version (ESV)
11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
He had been ill for the last six months, they said it was a cancerous tumor in his throat and that they could treat it with radiation and chemotherapy. We prayed for his healing, we prayed for his recovery. He was even warmed by a blanket of prayer that our church had made for him.
He didn't complain, he never whined about what the treatments were doing to his body. Instead he continued with them, never fussing once. When he could no longer eat, he did not complain but instead took feedings through a feeding tube.
We prayed and we prayed for his recovery, we prayed for his healing and his return to a life of normalcy, and still he died. What happened to the prayers? Why didn't God respond and fulfill our prayer requests?
As I sit in my office two days after dad's funeral I feel compelled to answer the "why" questions. The text from Jeremiah tells us that our prayers were answered and they were most definitely plans for my dad's welfare. God knew that dad and his body were tired, even though the cancer had been beaten, the effects of the treatments were more than dad's weakened body could tolerate. God took dad home to a new and stronger body, God took dad home rather than having him linger in pain and deterioration in a hospital room.
Yes, God answered our prayers even though it wasn't in the way that we had asked. Brothers and Sisters, God had a plan for dad's future, for his welfare, and it is in this that I take hope. God supplied the time for dad to say goodbye to the love of his life (my mom). God supplied the time for my brother who is also a pastor, to share the good news of Jesus Christ with dad prior to his passing.
Yes, God answers all prayers at all times in love that ensures that we have an eternal future that is full of hope. As I sit here an mourn at the loss of my father, as I sit here hurting, I do so in the confidence and assurance that our prayers were truly answered. Not for my good, or my families good, but for the welfare of my dad who now resides with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
My prayer for you this week my friends is that you continue to pray in the fact that God has our best interests in his heart, and that he keeps all promises and prayer requests, in his way, not ours.
Blessings and Peace: Pastor Tim.
