Healing Hands

God is in control and his plan is perfect.

At times, this can be hard to understand or accept, especially in times of trials and heartbreak, but it is true nonetheless.

I've recently been reminded of the brevity of life and uncertainty of tomorrow. See, a girl I knew when I was younger passed away yesterday from injuries sustained when she was hit by a car late last week. Justeen had everything going for her - she was a happy, God-fearing young woman who always had a smile on her face. At just 20 years old, she was in graduate school for engineering and had plans to make the world a better place. And while I didn't know Justeen very well, I was heartbroken over this tragedy. I know that God doesn't always answer our prayers for healing, but I really wished he had this time.

As I was reflecting over the past week's entries in my prayer journal last night, I saw what I had written the day I found out about Justeen's accident. I wrote, "Put your healing hands over Justeen." I remember crying out to God to put his hands over her - wrap her up in his arms, suppress the swelling in her brain, hold her close, and heal her.

It wasn't until last night as I read those words that I realized God has healed Justeen. He healed her in the greatest way possible by taking her out of this decrepit world! As I pondered further, I saw that God answered my prayer exactly. I asked God to put his healing hands on Justeen, and boy did he! He used those healing hands to give her a new, perfect, pain-free body in Heaven. And the best part, God is literally wrapping his arms around Justeen right now! She gets to physically embrace her savior and feel his loving arms, warm embrace, and healing hands.

Justeen has it pretty made right now. It's the rest of us that have to suffer here on earth until we too get to see our Lord face-to-face and hug him.

And while I mourn for Justeen's family and this terribly heartbreaking loss, I also celebrate alongside them, knowing that Justeen is with Jesus and that we will get to worship with her in Heaven one day.

It's hard for us to understand why God wills things like this to happen, but there is always a master plan, and God knows what he's doing through it all. Already, I've seen how this tragedy has brought our community together in remembrance of this wonderful young woman. Everyone mentions how they remember her bright smile and servant heart.

What a legacy! As a final note, I urge you to live each day with the intent of furthering God's kingdom. We are not promised tomorrow; it's what you do today for God's glory that matters.

I won't say RIP Justeen, because I know you are having too much fun singing praises before Jesus right now to rest! I can't wait till I get to join you, but for now, I'll do my best to follow in your footsteps and bring Christ's light to everyone I meet. You continue to inspire us all.