This question has been asked of me:
“It breaks my heart to see patients who pray every day for miracles, and still they suffer. What do I tell them?”
The last years of my dad’s life were scarred by A.L.S., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It took him from a healthy mechanic to a bed-ridden paralytic. He lost his voice and his muscles. But he never lost his faith. It wasn’t so much what he said, but more what he didn’t say. Never outwardly angry or bitter, Jack Lucado suffered with dignity.
After my dad’s funeral, a man told me it was because of my dad’s example that he became a Jesus follower. I’ve wondered, did God orchestrate my father’s illness for that very reason? Knowing the value God places on one soul—I wouldn’t be surprised. And imaging the splendor of heaven, I know my dad is not complaining!
“Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine.” 1 Peter 1:6-7
by Max Lucado
From: Max on Life
used by permission
To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website.
FURTHER READING
Frank’s Story – he also had ALS
Choosing to be Bitter or Better – Following her husband’s diagnosis with Lou Gehrig’s Disease, June Krause and her husband had a choice as to how they were going to face it.
