Our dearest friends Meade and Mary Elizabeth Stone recently lost one of their twin sons, Warren, after a whirlwind of testing, waiting, hoping, and despairing. It is times like this that many say “Where is God? How could He allow this to happen?” But what is apparent more than anything else right now IS His presence and unfathomable peace and grace He has bestowed upon Mary Elizabeth and Meade. Contrary to many “prosperity gospels” that are widely preached by pastors like Joel Osteen, the Bible does NOT say that we won’t suffer in this world, even if we are faithful to Him. Thank GOD He does not repay us according our faith and good works or we would all be utterly scorned! But instead, the Gospel of hope tells us that it is IN our weakness that He is glorified and most near to us. It’s in our brokenness and pain that we are most sure of His promises and truth, NOT in times of blessing and prosperity. As the hymn “Jesus I My Cross Have Taken” says, which was sung at Warren’s funeral:
Go, then, earthly fame and treasure!
Come, disaster, scorn, and pain!
In Thy service, pain is pleasure;
With Thy favor, loss is gain.
I have called Thee Abba, Father!
I have stayed my heart on Thee.
Storms may howl, and clouds may gather,
All must work for good to me.
Man may trouble and distress me,
'Twill but drive me to Thy breast;
Life with trials hard may press me,
Heaven will bring me sweeter rest.
Oh, 'tis not in grief to harm me
While Thy love is left to me;
Oh, 'twere not in joy to charm me
Were that joy unmixed with Thee.
So today as we mourn the death of this sweet innocent child, we can take rest and REJOICE in knowing that he is with his Maker and know that in the midst of the pain, God is nearer than ever. We are reminded that earth is not our true home and that we must gladly await when we too can meet our Maker.
We love you Warren, Meade, Mary Elizabeth, and John.
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