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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue #375 January 6, 2002 Laurel The wife of a friend passed away yesterday after a long bout with cancer. She had been through all the surgeries, the chemo and radiation. She was prayed for by friends, family and by people who didn’t even know her. It’s a time of sorrow and a time of blessing. It’s a time of confusion. Sorrow because she leaves behind a husband and a young family. She was a wonderful person and all who knew her will grieve her loss. Blessing because she had been in great pain and has now gone to be with Jesus and will not suffer anymore. Confusion because so many people prayed for healing and she still died. Sometimes though, God answers our prayers in ways we didn’t expect. Laurel lived far longer than the initial diagnosis would have suggested. She outlasted the doctor’s prognosis by years. Her youngest was an infant when she first got the bad news, but is now seven and is old enough to be able to remember time with her mother. Laurel’s faith and that of her family proved to strengthen those around her. Of course like anyone else, she went through her times of anger and questioning, but she stuck with the Lord and more importantly He stuck with her. Her illness drew our congregation closer together as a family, and I believe our mourning will do more of the same. While the prayed for physical healing didn’t happen, God was faithful and there was healing for those around her. She will be missed. God is faithful and he always answers prayer. It is just that it may not be the way we expect. These words might seem a little hollow and trite right now if I said them to her family, but I know they are true: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV His will and timing are always perfect. I don’t fully understand why it was Laurel or why it was now, but I do take comfort in knowing that He is in control. O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God. Psalm 59:17 NIV Until next time, whatever you are going through, know that He is there with you and He is faithful. God bless. Kevin If you were to die tomorrow, are you certain of where you would go? You can be. Email me and I’ll share a few Bible verses that explain why a relationship with Jesus is so important and a prayer that will make it possible. A personal relationship with Jesus is the only way to secure eternity in heaven. To share your thoughts on this issue of Gleanings, or to share prayer concerns email us at corbin_writer@hotmail.com. or write us at : Gleanings From The Word, 114 Oak Street, Sherwood Park, AB, Canada, T8A 0V8 At Gleanings, we have a dedicated team of prayer warriors and all prayer concerns are kept strictly confidential. If you enjoyed this issue of Gleanings From The Word, email it, in its entirety, to a friend. For information on use of Gleanings in your church newsletter or other situations please visit the permissions page on our website
 © 2001 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin All Rights Reserved SUBSCRIBE TO GLEANINGS FOR FREE
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