A podcast listener named Kathy writes in,

Pastor John, I just finished listening to the recent APJ episode titled Glorifying God

in Unshakeable Grief.

Before I ask my question, may I first say thank you, Pastor John, to you and to Pastor

Tom Stellar.

For the years I spent at Bethlehem Baptist Church in the 1980s and early 1990s, during

which time I was well taught by you both and grounded in the sovereignty of God.

That foundation has been crucial for my coping in recent years.

My youngest son, Josiah, was diagnosed with bone cancer in July 2013 at the age of 12.

In the period of his treatment was really hard, full of intense pain and sickness for him,

and anxiety for us all.

By the end of his treatment in September 2014, we thought he had come through it.

However, at his first post-treatment check, we were told that his cancer had returned, riddled

his lungs, and he died in April 2015 at the age of 14.

I am thankful that the Lord had given Josiah a faith that enabled him to face death without

fear, and I have confidence that Josiah is now with Jesus.

And I hold onto the truth that in some way this is part of a plan that makes sense.

But the grief has frequently felt unbearable, and now just over two years later, it still

comes crashing in waves that it times feel impossible to withstand.

My question comes from something I read recently in your book, Future Grace.

At the end of chapter 2, you write, quote,

When faith in God's future grace is strong, the message is sent that this kind of God

...