I was struck by the grace and goodness of God during the Speech tournament this weekend. After hearing the news of the death of an unborn baby, and then hearing how the mother continued to praise God through it all, I was broken by the fact that it's so easy for me to go through life, day by day, accepting God's immense blessings, and yet, not being truly grateful, but rather harboring discontentment in my heart.
In contrast, here was a godly woman who was worshiping God even after losing her baby. I compared that with myself; discontent, selfish, blind to God's goodness, when I should be worshiping him for the family He has blessed me with and the way He has preserved my life and theirs.
I had the privilege to see a few of the apologetics rounds shortly after the sad news. They were on the character of God. His holiness and His sovereignty. God had a plan that goes beyond the death of that baby. And one day He will open our eyes to see His marvelous plan.
I know already that God touched many more lives than just mine at this tournament. The Lord gives and He takes away. Blessed be Your name, God.
As I was thinking about the whole thing, a verse in Revelation came to my mind that gives us hope and assurance during hard times.
Revelation 21:3-5
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
May God bless you today and open your eyes to see his goodness.
-Aaron
