Thursday, May 16, 2013

Nothing is Wasted...

Yesterday, Evan and I were driving to PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel) on Randolph.  We almost always listen to KLOVE or his Brinkman Adventures CD's.  While listening to KLOVE, Jason Gray's song "Nothing Is Wasted" came on the radio.





"Mommy, what does that mean...that nothing is wasted?"  



I love those moments, because in those moments we have the deepest discussions about Jesus.  



Here is how I explained it:  "Evan, when brother died, it was very sad for us.  Daddy, you and I, and all of our friends and family hurt and cried for our loss.  In the Bible, God tells us that good comes from bad.  I believe this with all of my heart.  When brother died, there were people at the house (the scene of the accident) who either didn't know Jesus, or who had fallen away from Him.  They came back to Jesus because of the impact Ethan's passing had on them.  Does that make sense?  God used our sadness and our loss for His glory."



"Really, Mommy?  People came to Jesus because of Ethan?" (in a very excited voice)



Yes, Evan...there were quite a few who were changed because of Ethan's passing.  God used it to further His kingdom.  You see, everything that happens that is bad can be for His glory.  It's in choosing to see good from bad.  It's in choosing Christ.  Do you understand?


"Yes, Mommy."



As we approach the 3 year anniversary of Ethan's Passing/Home Going, sorrow comes upon me. It's in these times that I need to cling to Romans 8:28, because God has not only changed others but myself and my family.  God indeed does use bad for His good.  




It doesn't make things easier or make the grief disappear, but it's extremely comforting that despite Ethan's short amount of years on earth, his life was still important and served a significant purpose for God's glory!  



Remember, nothing is wasted!  No matter what you've been through, God can and will use it for good.  Believe it!


And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28 


4 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh such a Beautiful post! TRULY Ethan's life has great impact, more that we will ever know here on Earth!!! You and your family are an inspiration to many! Praying for you in as this difficult time approaches.

Anonymous said...

Awww....I miss his little face. I am always praying for you, especially as this anniversary nears. I love Evan's excitement for Jesus. Such a sweet boy. :)

MarshaMarshaMarsha said...

Amen. I love it when God uses our children to remind us of His Truth!

Press on, my sister! None of this is wasted.

Heather@Cultivated Lives said...

Thanks so much for the dumpling recipe. We eat very similar and I'm always grateful for more of a 'whole-food' recipe!

I know this post is a bit old, but I was just thinking about you and your family for some reason a few weeks ago.