A while back I got an email about a little boy named Ethan Powell. At his two month well baby check up, it was discovered that he had leukemia. He was not supposed to live past the next 72 hours. He was sent to St. Jude and fought 14 more months before passing away this past Saturday. I don't think I have ever been so sad to hear of a passing of someone I didn't even know, but his mom or dad would update their website daily, so I did feel as though I knew them. Throughout the whole ordeal, his parents never seemed to waver in their faith. I know we are all human and have doubt, but honestly, they seemed confident that God would heal their child on this earth. And, while God answered no, they still seem from their entries to be strong in their faith. I have to say I have been reminded of a lot from this family.
I am reminded that God provides. Sometimes I get so caught up in material things, that I forget God is enough..but He is.
I am reminded that prayer unifies us. It is amazing how many people from all over the country prayed for this family, and are still praying for them.
I am reminded that God is in control. It makes me feel silly to worry about little things when I think of the big picture.
I am reminded that God can do great things through children. This little boy touched many lives, and even though we didn't get the answer we wanted, God used him and his family in a mighty way. I think in his sixteen months here on earth, he probably brought more people to Christ than I have in my 33 years.
I am reminded that having a Christian family is an awesome thing. I cannot wait for the party we will all have in Heaven.
This story has just really touched me. You can read more about them at www.ethanpowell.com
or at their church website www.aplace4u.org
5 comments:
Jill~
I hadn't been to his site this week, so I didn't know he had passed away. Reading this now just changes everything...
Your post about him and the lessons you have learned is truly beautiful. This is just a fraction of the legacy he leaves behind.
I can't bear to think about how broken and bruised and frail the body he left behind is but I have to remind myself he is now perfect. He is now whole. He is now radiant as his beautiful blue eyes looks at the face of God.
Thank you for your sensitive and caring heart.
Love,
Lisa
we hear of stories like this all time. they do touch us and do bring people to christ. isn't that his plan? he will use anyone to fulfill his plan. we think how wrong to use such a sweet innocent child; but - that child was pure had family who loved him, brought people to christ and touched all our hearts - and now he is with God. wouldn't we all like that record? so, based on your post, i will say, God's plan worked!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It is such a touching story. God works for the good of those who love him...even if we don't think it seems so good at first.
Thank you for your post Jill. I check his site once a week and hadn't heard that he had passed away. I can't even begin to imagine the feelings his family is having right now - it breaks my heart. But you are so right about how this is part of His plan even if it was not ours. And HIS is a perfect one.
I don't know how people can make it through things like this without God... this family will certainly be in our prayers- I am thankful they have so many lifting them up. Thanks for the reminder of what is really important.
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