R. C. Sproul, Jr.’s post, “Breaking Hearts,” is a must read for anyone, particularly anyone who struggles to trust God in the everyday affairs of life (which is everyone). His wife died of cancer last year, leaving him as a single father to eight children. A sample…
Five days ago, concerned over a radical increase in seizure activity, and a frightening lethargy I called Shannon’s neurologist. Shannon is my 14 year old daughter. Her brain did not develop properly, and she has the mental capacity of a toddler. She also suffers from seizures. The nurse with whom I spoke had no uncertainty with her advice — call 911 and get her to the emergency room. She has been wonderfully cared for. Sundry experts have run their tests. Nurses have loved on her. Visitors have come to cheer her. And, by God’s grace it looks likely she will get over this, and in a day or two we will go home. Why then is my heart so heavy?
Because I don’t trust my Father as I ought.…
I am here and not [at home] because He has brought this to pass. I am here for Shannon’s sake, for her good. I am here for my own sake, for my good. And I am here for the sake of Darby, Campbell, Delaney, Erin Claire, Maili, Reilly and Donovan. My Father knows what each of my children need. He knows how to grow the fruit of the Spirit in each of them. He knows precisely what they each need to become more like Jesus. And He has the power to bring this to pass. What they need right now if for me to be here.
Loss of a mother, worry for a sister are not emotional meteorites hurtling haphazardly toward the psyches of my children. They are the plans He has for them, plans to prosper them and not to harm them, plans to give them hope, and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Which, by His grace, are the same plans He has for me. By His grace I will hope in Him and praise Him, for the help of His countenance (Psalm 42:5).
Words of Grace 
Terry, the morning after you posted this, Shannon went home to be with the Lord. The Lord has healed her heart even as He in His grace continues to break mine. Thank you for sharing this piece. It is a help to me this morning.
Thank your for the update. I had just seen that news yesterday afternoon. It is good to know that in the tragedy, God is good and working good in that family and working good in us as we watch them (many of us, as we watch them from afar). And it is good to see that family continue to trust our sovereign God.