In 2020 I had a dream in which I was reading a book with every chapter starting with the words "You Are". Like with my previous work, I knew upon waking that I was to bring this book from the dreamworld into existence, encouraging any who would read it to know that their identity and purpose can be found in the God of the Bible. It was to be a book of hope in the darkness, and a beacon in life's storms. Little did I know when I first started writing in the year 2020, that by the time I would finish it, my world would be turned completely upside down by the unexpected death of my precious 4 year old son.
Anyone who knows me or has read my previous work, will know just how incredible our little boy was, and the huge obstacles he would overcome within his short life. Despite so many challenges, he faced every day with a beaming smile that brightened every room he entered. You only had to spend a moment with him, and he would capture your heart forever. That's how amazing my child was. He was, and is, my personal inspiration.
His sudden and unexpected departure from our world in April 2021, is therefore just so impossible to understand. And yet, as the old saying goes, life has to go on.
I'm so thankful to the God of love who strengthens and sustains us daily, hourly, continually. The sadness in my heart at my precious baby's death will be with me for some time, probably always. As hard as this is though, one thing I know with all my heart is that God can be trusted completely and for as long as I live and breath I'll give Him praise, because He is truly worthy. I also know that my life still has many blessings, particularly through the joy of my wife and my children who remain. I also know I have more blessings in the future that I can't even imagine, and it's all part of the wonderful mystery of life.
It's from this standpoint that I confidently declare that God is good. Despite all of the challenges of life, all the things that go wrong, and all of our heartbreaks, God has a purpose for you and for me. I have learnt throughout my life journey, that it's through knowing Him personally we can find our true identities.
So whether you know this for yourself already, or are simply searching for answers in life that have so far evaded you, I welcome you to read, consider and find the God of love who brings supernatural comfort, healing and makes all things new. God is waiting to show you that He's for real, and will not disappoint anyone who would put their trust in Him.
