Scripture

The “A Child of Promise” Bible study is full of scriptures to guide you through this time, but here are a few of my favorites.

Psalm 139 –
This psalm is so beautiful. I would put it all here, but I’d encourage you to read it in its entirety yourself in your Bible. It discusses how completely the Lord knows us. Wherever we are, He is there. He is with us in the darkness and in the light.

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” Psalms 139:13-16 ESV

God created each of our children just as wonderfully as He created everything. God knew exactly what He was doing. He knew all the days ordained for your baby’s life even before they were born or even conceived. How AWESOME is our Lord!

Job 1 and 2 –
Job has been one of the most important books of the Bible during my walk with the Lord. I have always pitied myself; always felt like I’d been dealt too tough of a hand. When I read how Job handled himself in the midst of his trials, and we know that his trials are worse than any we’ve ever experienced (losing all of his 10 children, all of his possessions and even his own health, plus having an unsupportive spouse criticizing him all the way – WHOA), and to see the process he went through all for the glory of God – I try to remind myself that God isn’t finished with me yet.

“Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.” Job 1:20-22 ESV

I know that God gave Tommy to me and I praise Him for that … so, why is it so hard to accept that this was not a gift that I got to keep here on earth forever. Tommy will always be my son, and even if God took him to Heaven, I will forever praise him for that gift.

“Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.” But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.” Job 2:9-10 ESV

I seem to have no problem accepting all of God’s gifts.  I do not doubt Him when He chooses me for a great job, a great daughter, or great sister or parents … but when He gives me trials, I question His judgment.

2 Samuel 12:22-23
I did not find this passage until months after Tommy had died. Looking back, I wish so much that I had read this over and over again when we first learned that Tommy might not survive.

“[David] said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows whether the LORD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.”” 2 Samuel 12:22-23 ESV

In the month following Tommy’s death, our church pastor spoke about what happens to babies and young children who die before they can accept Christ into their hearts. This scripture “I will go to him, but he will not return to me” is the closest our pastor could find pointing to the fact that our babies DO go to Heaven. Our children are alive and joyful at the throne of the Lord – I will see my child again!

1 Samuel 1:27
I have chosen this as my personal scripture verse in Tommy’s memory.

“For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to him.” 1 Samuel 1:27 ESV

I CHOOSE, and let me tell you some days this is a very difficult choice, to see my son as a GIFT.  The Lord blessed me with his conception.  I will never be sorry that he was born. I am thankful for every day I had with him here on earth, growing inside of my womb.  I am thankful that I will get to see him again someday.

For your own personal study of scripture, let me recommend Blue Letter Bible. This website is terrific for studying the Bible in a multitude of ways.