Providence at Work: Calvinism and Grieving

Similar to the CCSA (Chinese Christian Softball Association), the CVA (Christian Volleyball Association) has a time for devotion after every volleyball game between two teams. I had a devotion prepared tonight on the topic of grieving. Based off Dr. James White's book, Grieving: Our Path Back to Peace. After the devotion, two people told me that what I shared was very timely. I am very grateful that the Lord would use me to share something from the Word at the right place and at the right time. His timing is perfect.

I would like to type out briefly what I shared tonight. To be clear, tonight's devotion wasn't exactly based off of the book. More like an accumulation of listening to his podcasts.

Remember this and stand firm,
recall it to mind, you transgressors,
remember the former things of old;
for I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me,
declaring the end from the beginning
and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
and I will accomplish all my purpose’

Isaiah 46:8-10

In this passage the Lord describes his absolute sovereignty over all things. He has a purpose in the things that He does and has declared what would happen in the end since the beginning of time. God has established Himself as one who has control over every single thing. Including the actions of every individual.

As Abraham Kuyper famously said, "There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!"

How this relates to the topic of grieving is understood when we consider what was written by the Apostle Paul, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

The words of the apostle gives great comfort in times of grieving, knowing that "all things work together for good." But have we considered that Paul said "all things"? Have we considered that Paul is familiar with Isaiah, which describes God as one who has "declar[ed] the end from the beginning" and that he said, "I will accomplish all my purpose"?

Many are uncomfortable that God is in control of all things in the sense that He has declared it.* Meaning whatever happens, God not only knew it, but He declared it. He is not passively receiving knowledge of what happens in the future, He has ordained for the future to happen the way it happens.

Although there are objections, consider what Scripture had said about God and see how this helps us in our grieving. If the Lord has declared it, then He has a purpose in all things that happen. It is not just a meaningless accident, there is a purpose behind it whether we see it or not. So, knowing that God is sovereign over all things on earth, we have certainty that God had a purpose in suffering. We know that God is good, so we know that ultimately, every suffering and grief we experience has a purpose in the overall plan of God.

As Joseph said to his brothers, "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (Genesis 50:20). Whatever calamity may fall, our Almighty God has a good purpose behind it all.

*Due to time and the nature of the devotion, I did not address how God can be the one who declared it while we are still the ones responsible. This is commonly known as compatibilism. Check out more here and here.

Losing a Child

In the midst of suffering in this world. Christians don't grieve without hope. We grieve, but we are hopeful for what comes next (1 Thess 4:13-14). Below is a letter written by Rev. Samuel Pearce to his wife in the midst of his daughter's illness. May this be an encouragement to stay faithful to our Lord.

Northampton, Dec. 13, 1794. 

My Dear Sarah, 

I am just brought on the wings of celestial mercy safe to my sabbath’s station. I am well; and my dear friends here seem healthy and happy: but I feel for you. I long to know how our dear Louisa’s pulse beats: I fear still feverish. We must not, however, suffer ourselves to be infected with a mental fever on this account. Is she ill? It is right. Is she very ill … dying? It is still right. Is she gone to join the heavenly choristers? It is all right, notwithstanding our repinings … Repinings! No; we will not repine. It is best she should go. It is best for her: this we must allow. It is best for us: Do we expect it? Oh what poor, ungrateful, short-sighted worms are we! Let us submit, my Sarah, till we come to heaven: If we do not then see that it is best, let us then complain. But why do I attempt to console? Perhaps an indulgent providence has ere now dissipated your fears: or if that same kind providence has removed our babe, you have consulted enough in Him who suffered more than we; and marathon enough to quiet all our passions in that astonishing consideration, —“ God so loved the world, that he spared not his own Son.” Did God cheerfully give the holy child Jesus for us; and shall we refuse our child to him? He gave his Son to suffer: he takes our children to enjoy. Yes; to enjoy Himself. Yours with the tenderest regard,—S. P.