“On Loan to us from Heaven”

A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. (John 16:21)
Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. (Psalm 127:3)
Children are God's precious gifts to us. They belong to God and he puts them in our care to be nurtured. They need to be fed and clothed, loved and cherished, brought to baptism and taught about God. It's an awesome, but wonderful responsibility. In the process of this nurturing, we bond with them so tightly we sometimes forget that they really aren't ours.
A family from one of my churches' sister congregations was reminded of this truth several years ago. Their five-year-old son came down with flu-like symptoms one Saturday. The next day he seemed to be feeling better. His parents thought he must have had the 24-hour flu. He recovered and life was soon back to normal, but not for long. He became ill again the following day and his concerned parents took him into the ER. He sat with his father as the paperwork was filled out and then was taken into an examination room to be checked over. His temp was taken and only registered 94 degrees. Normal body temperature is 98.6. At this point the medical staff knew there was a serious problem. He died in his father's arms a few minutes later as he was being carried to another room for more testing. Hospital workers spent almost an hour and a half trying to revive him, but to no avail.
In the article in our local paper his pastor stated, I know his parents would say to other parents, hold on to your children and love them, because they are only on loan to us from heaven.
This story is every parent's worst nightmare. We ask, how can a normal healthy child just up and die? It is very difficult for us as human parents to accept these things. This is when we must remember that there are certain things in life we have no control over. It brings to mind the words of Paul written in Romans 8:28; And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. And also in Hebrews 12:6; Because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.
We don't know God's reason/reasons for taking this little boy home to heaven at such a young age, but we do know that God has almighty power and knows all things. He had a purpose for this precious little child's life and death. He may allow his parents to see it or they may never know why, but most importantly they have the comfort of knowing that they will be reunited with him again in heaven where He (God) will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. (Revelations 21:4)
We must remember that all we are and all we have belong to God. He gives good gifts. Hold on to your children and love them. Baptize them and teach them about Jesus. Enjoy every minute God gives you with them as if it were the last. They are only on loan to us from heaven.

By Kristeen - To God be the Glory!