No good answers

My dad is 87 years old and suffers from Parkinson’s disease and has been falling more and more lately. . I called him today from Maui where we are all having a great time and he told me that he had a serious fall last week and got all cut up. Luckily someone from across the street saw him fall and came to his aide.

It worries me to no end and I wish he would let me hire someone to stay with him and my stepmother but they will not allow it. It is frustrating to him, because he has always been healthy and robust and worked hard all of his life. Now even the slightest task is daunting.

This disease is debilitating and although the medication helps it is one good day and then one bad day and sometimes some very bad days. He and my stepmother both teach Sunday school and unless he is really having a bad day he faithfully teaches his class every Sunday.

It is inexplicable to understand God’s plan for our lives when faced with such pain. Why would He allow a faithful servant to suffer? It is an age old question and there is no satisfactory answer. We must accept it on faith that God has a perfect plan for my dad, me, and all of us. Dad has it right. He is not mad at God for allowing this disease to strike him. He is not happy that he has it, but he accepts the blessings that God has given him along with the tribulation and continues to serve even when he is racked by pain.

I have been praying for him this morning from Maui and intend to go down to the chapel near the beach as soon as I am through writing this and pray some more. My prayer is that he does not suffer and that God will remain close to him throughout this ordeal.

When God calls him home I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that dad will enter heaven and forever be strong and untouched by any disease. There will be no sadness, tears, or suffering; just rejoicing and praise to the risen King of Kings. He looks forward to seeing Jesus Christ eye to eye and reuniting with my mother, brother, and others who have gone on before him and so do I. As Paul said, the sufferings of this world cannot compare to the glory that will soon envelope us. We should not regret or dread our final days on this earth as we are that much closer to perfection through Jesus Christ.

1 John 2:17
And the world is passing away,
and the lust of it; but he who does
the will of God abides forever.