The Cost of Love

Last week, Becca, our oldest daughter, and I were discussing life’s hard faith questions. And you know, as much as we discussed it, and quoted Scripture, there really were no answers to some questions. As Becca rightly said, “If we know everything about God, He wouldn’t really be God, would He? Some things we just accept in faith.”

So, as I was contemplating these questions a few mornings ago, I realized that though there are many things about God that are a mystery and will be a mystery until we enter our heavenly home, there are some things He allows us to at least get a glimpse of – things *we see only in part as if through thin white curtains.

For as I sat in my prayer chair on Sunday morning and looked back at the week, I re-read a text Debbie sent me on Friday which read, “I was admitted in hospital a month ago today. Feeling so grateful to be pain free and have the energy to do all the things I want to do.” And she had attached a few pictures of her in the hospital bed when they allowed her two little ones to see her – after a whole week. The boys were just holding on to her and she to them.

I had tears streaming down my face as I read that – for I understood the pain she went through at the time. Not just the physical pain – as intense as it was, but also the mental and emotional pain of not seeing her children.

As a mother, I understood. Because I remember falling on my knees when she was in hospital, in pain, and the meds were not working, crying uncontrollably and praying, “I know you will get her through this, Lord. You are faithful from generation to generation. But the pain. Please stop the pain. I can’t bear that she’s in pain.” Over and over again because I felt her pain.

And suddenly, as I sat there, I caught another glimpse into my heavenly Father’s heart – like through a thin white curtain.

I felt the Lord was asking me, “would you voluntarily allow your child to go through this pain even if it meant a hundred lives or a million lives could be saved?” I didn’t even have to think – I know what my answer would be. Every time. A clear no. 

But that’s exactly what our God did, didn’t He? Though the cost was extremely great, He gave up His only son to death on the cross – for the salvation of everyone… down the centuries.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

You see friends, love is something God allows us to experience here on earth that is a tiny fraction of God’s pure love. And the pain we experience when our loved ones hurt, leave us, or go through trials is simply… a glimpse into God’s heart.

It is the cost of love!