In all situations, we must trust God and the teaching he gives through scripture
By Peter Kaye |
Chapter 19 Page 402
‘I think it's more serious than that.’ Tears were forming in Charlene's eyes.
‘She'll get worse? You don't mean... that she might die?’
Charlene wiped her eyes. ‘If they don't operate and she gives birth, then, yes, that's what they be worrying about.’
A beautiful, much-loved, God-believing girl... possibly losing her life at twenty? No, that couldn't happen. ‘Then she's got to have the operation—whatever happens to the child. It's sad, but...’
‘Peter, it's not easy to give up something growing inside you. I remember that when everyone told me to abort Betsy. And Janet really wants this baby.’
‘But she's got to... if it means saving her life. Surely, she sees that?’
‘No, she doesn't. I upset her on the way home by saying something similar. Janet believes it's up to God what happens. She'll live to give birth if that's what he wants, but God must decide who survives. Not her.’
Peter gasped. ‘That's awful. Selfish. What about me... you... her friends?’
‘No, it's not. It's pretty brave and shows how strong her faith is.’
‘But you argued in the taxi?’
‘I didn't argue, Peter, just said what I thought. That you should do all you can to save someone who's about to get married, rather than worry about a tiny thing that nobody's seen. However, I'm now beginning to agree with Janet.’
‘But Charlene, this isn't a child created in a happy marriage by a couple desperate for kids. It was just a silly mistake.’
‘How the child was conceived is not its fault.’
‘I think I'll go and talk to Janet. Perhaps I can persuade her that what she's thinking is wrong.’
‘Hang on, Peter. Don't rush up there and be saying things that will hurt, particularly at the moment. Let her sleep. She's had a hell of a day. And then she'll be needing your kindness and understanding, not a lecture.’
‘But I want her to get well,’ he shrieked. ‘Can't you understand?’
‘Be sure. But Janet is saying we should trust God, not ourselves, and be prepared to go with his plan.’
‘Even if she might die?’
‘Yes. Because we remember what the Bible tells us about God. That he is good, can do anything, knows everything, and is wiser than we will ever begin to be. And that means he's trustworthy... Peter, it isn't trusting if we do it just for unimportant things. But other times, we say, 'Hang on, God, I've got to be having my way on this.' You still believe that don't you?’
‘Yes, I suppose so,’ Peter said bitterly.
‘Then, surely, we can trust as Janet is doing? God can save both her and her child if he wants.’
‘But what if he doesn't?’
‘Then, we have to accept his judgment. Janet and her baby survived in the sea when everyone was sure they wouldn't. Wasn't that God's doing?’
‘So, he saves her from drowning so she can have her baby and then die?’
‘We can't know what's going to happen, and we shouldn't be trying to guess. Her child's survival is very important to Janet, and I believe that's because she's hearing this from God.’