1 Corinthians 13:13

Posted on September 10, 2010 by Plymothian

Today I spent the day in court.  The goal for our foster son was changed from return home in 12 months to terminating the rights of the birth parent.  At the end of the day I am coming back to my devotions.  “Now these three remain:  faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love.”  Isaw a birth mother in anguish because of her love for her son.  I could not feel triumphant at the changes.  I had to try and comfort her.  She looked up to me and said, “You are a pastor.  How could God let this happen?”  I did not talk about faith.  I tried to offer hope.  However, as my sister in Christ I hope I showed the birth mother Christ’s love.  I suspect I failed.  What would you have said?

Unknown's avatar

About Plymothian

I teach at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. My interests include education, biblical studies, and spiritual formation. I have been married to Kelli since 1998 and we have two children, Daryl and Amelia. For recreation I like to run, play soccer, play board games, read and travel.
This entry was posted in Daily Devotions. Bookmark the permalink.

4 Responses to 1 Corinthians 13:13

  1. Marcus's avatar Marcus says:
    September 10, 2010 at 21:05

    What a difficult moment.

    I don’t know what I would have said. I would expect it would turn out to be one of those moments where you prepare something heartfelt and poignant to say, but nothing comes out.

    It’s a good question – “Why would God let this happen?” I suspect it happened as much for you as it did her. Your foster son will never be taken for granted after this process, he’ll grow up knowing he was loved and desired by all parties.

    I can’t imagine what it must feel like, but I am elated for you and your foster son.

    Reply
  2. Kyle Newberry's avatar Kyle Newberry says:
    September 10, 2010 at 21:29

    These are the times when I realize there is so much grey. There is the cliche response that we will raise your son in the best environment possible, but yet again, I do not know if we can ever feel the hurt that she feels or say anything to make it better. It is something I would altogether rather avoid, but often times God doesn’t let us off that easy. What to say to the blessing to you and seeming curse to her? I think if I had to say something, it would have to not be words, but a simple touch, and hug, to give her assurance, that you are not her adversary, but partner and helper in raising her son to be the best man of God he can be, and Mr. Worrall, you are and continue to be a phenominal father, and I know that Daryl is blessed beyond measure to have you and Mrs. Worrall as parents.

    Reply
  4. Carrie's avatar Carrie says:
    September 11, 2010 at 13:11

    I would have said some blanket statement, “We have experiences like this to grow from and turn closer to God.” After I said that I would have realized that I have NO idea what she is going through and that I in no way helped her through this process. No answer would have been a good answer but may God begin to work in her heart and life.

    Praise God for your little guy moving to have stability and Godly love in his life.

    Reply

Leave a comment