Tuesday, 12 June 2012

• God's Glory in Times of Grieving: Jeremy's Story

  A few months ago I posted about a man who was preparing for death. Not because death was imminent or because he had given up on life but because he knew death was inevitable. Reading his personal blog about life and preparing for the big surgery/treatment really helped put things in perspective for me. I have been keeping up with the caring bridge journal that Jeremy's wife Jen uses for updates and it's always a blessing to see how she consistently keeps things in perspective.

  It's been a lot of ups and downs since Jeremy first went in. But it seemed that, with each hurdle that was placed before Jeremy, his body, through the grace of Jesus, was able to overcome. Today, 15 hours ago actually, was the first day that things seemed truly grave. Apparently Jen spent some quality time explaining the situation to her two older boys. She says:

  "I told the boys tonight of the possibilities at hand. I went to a nearby park with the older two - we cried. we talked. we cried. and talked. It went better than I thought it could. Their instinct was to pray. To hope and not worry (tomorrow will worry about itself, Aedan said)."

  In church when we prayed for Jeremy, our pastor seemed to imply that perhaps Jeremy has reached the crucial and uncertain point where his loved ones must decided whether or not to keep him on life support. I know that Jeremy is being covered in prayer by his family, his friends, and all of the churches in the area -- if not the nation. This young man, with three young children, a great talent for music and song writing, and a passionate love for the work of the Lord, is quite possibly on his death bed. I don't know if anyone will read this but please pray for Jeremy and his family.

  There isn't much else to say in conclusion except what his dear wife Jen so confidently states at the end of her most recent journal entry:

  "Our hearts break tonight like we've never known. I'm not saying we're not hoping and praying for a turn of events. God knows we are. But we grieve nonetheless (but not like those who have no hope). We wish that Jeremy were healed in order to bring glory to God. But we don't need Jeremy to be healed to bring glory to God. His glory will be there no matter what."

  Lets not forget this great Biblical truth, spoken through the apostle Paul:

  Philippians 1:19-21

  I will rejoice, for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

  Thank you Jesus for the many ways you have used, continue to use, and will forever use Jeremy for your glory! I and many others pray for His earthly healing- if you would will it, Lord! Thank you for your promises to use Your people for Your glory no matter the circumstances. Use me, Lord!

  Also, Awesome Father, please be with Jeremy's family. They need your comfort and your peace now more than ever. The future seems so unclear to them but remind them of Your promises. And most importantly Lord help them to rejoice in what You are doing through Jeremy, no matter the outcome.

  In Jesus' name, Amen!
  
  [Editor's note: In the time since this post was written, funeral arrangements have been made for Jeremy Erickson.  Please keep his wife, Jen, and their children in your prayers.]
  
  When have you gone through times of grieving or lost a loved one?  How does God work through these times? 

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