I Know Who Holds the Future

In Singapore, apart from sudden tremors following earthquakes in neighbouring Indonesia, the Swallow has not encountered the devastation that hit New Zealand and Japan recently.  Thus, even with the ample news coverage in the media, she was and is unable to fully understand the magnitude of suffering and loss.  With friends living in Christchurch and California (with a possible earthquake waiting to happen), she can only pray that they will continue to lean on the Lord for His grace, strength and comfort to go through any crisis that follow the natural disasters.

A couple of years back, the Swallow had spent time with several Christian mothers, sharing the joys and heart-breaks of parenting, and learning from each other how to bring their young ones up according to God's word.  One mother had shared how her young one was coping with teenage problems.  Thus it came as a shock when the news of his death came last year.  He had committed suicide.  When the Swallow attended the young one's funeral with several of the mothers, they were all at a loss for words.  What could they say?  The fear of every loving mother had been realized in this mother's life.  They could only share a hug and many tears with the sorrowing mother.

The Swallow had grieved over the loss of her plant a month back.  When one of her siblings sent her an SMS to check how she was feeling lately, the Swallow was able to say that she is coping with her loss.  She had chosen to look at the One who had first blessed her with a well-growing plant, instead of focusing on her loss and thus with His help, was able to overcome her grief and bitterness.

I KNOW WHO HOLDS THE FUTURE (author unknown)

I do not know what lies ahead
The way I cannot see
Yet One stands near to be my Guide
He'll show the way to me. **

**I know who holds the future
And He'll guide me with His hands
With God, things don't just happen
Everything by Him is planned
So as I face tomorrow
With its problems large and small
I'll trust the God of miracles
Give to Him my all.

I do not know how many days
Of life are mine to spend
But One who knows and cares for me
Will keep me to the end. **

I do not know the course ahead
What joys and griefs are there
But One is near who fully knows
I'll trust His loving care. **

Yes, the grief over a stolen plant can never be compared to the grief over the loss of a loved one. Nor can it be compared to the grief over the loss of one's home and heritage. However, the choice is the same for everyone who grieves. Choose to look at the Creator who made the heavens and the earth - He is a Surety and Help in times of trouble, or focus on the loss.

Psalm 91 : 14 - 16 (NKJV)
Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honour him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.